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Effie Yeaw Nature Center: A Parkway Jewel

Discover local wildlife, explore scenic trails, and connect with nature at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center in Carmichael's American River Parkway.

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Nestled within Carmichael's Ancil Hoffman Park, the Effie Yeaw Nature Center is a 100-acre nature preserve along the American River Parkway. This unique center offers trails, exhibits, and educational programs focused on the natural and cultural history of the Sacramento region. It's a haven for wildlife and a tranquil escape for nature enthusiasts of all ages.

A brief summary to Effie Yeaw Nature Center

  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the spring or fall for optimal birdwatching opportunities as migratory species pass through the area.
  • Check the Effie Yeaw Nature Center's event calendar for guided nature walks and family-friendly programs.
  • Bring binoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing along the trails.
  • Be aware of rattlesnakes and ticks on the trails; stay on marked paths and wear closed-toe shoes.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Fair Oaks Boulevard, turn onto San Lorenzo Way. The Effie Yeaw Nature Center will be on your left. Parking is available in the Nature Center lot. A daily parking pass costs $7, payable at the ranger kiosk on Tarshes Drive. Alternatively, an annual pass can be purchased for $70.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Sacramento, take the Sac Regional Transit line 23 towards Arden Del Paso Light Rail - Sunrise Mall. Get off at Fair Oaks Blvd & Kenneth Ave. From there, walk along Fair Oaks Blvd, then turn right onto San Lorenzo Way. The Effie Yeaw Nature Center will be on your left. A single ride fare is $2.50.

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Discover more about Effie Yeaw Nature Center

The Effie Yeaw Nature Center, a cherished environmental and cultural education center, lies nestled within the scenic American River Parkway in Carmichael, California. This 100-acre preserve features interpretive trails that wind through riparian woodlands along the American River, providing visitors with opportunities to observe local wildlife, including deer, coyotes, migratory songbirds, raptors, and wild turkeys. The Nature Center is named in honor of Effie Yeaw, a dedicated teacher, conservationist, and environmental educator who passionately advocated for preserving the natural lands along the lower American River. Her efforts in the 1950s and 60s, including training tour guides and raising awareness among local groups, were instrumental in developing the concept of the American River Parkway. The center was dedicated in 1976, as a lasting tribute to her devotion to nature and children. Today, the Effie Yeaw Nature Center continues to uphold Effie's legacy by providing educational and interpretive programs that promote awareness, appreciation, and understanding of the Sacramento region's natural and cultural resources. The center's mission emphasizes the importance of human interdependence within a finite ecosystem and the need to conserve resources and protect environmental quality. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions and activities, including a 70-acre Nature Study Area, a Natural History Museum, and a replica Maidu village. The trails are generally flat and easy to walk, making it a family-friendly destination. The center also offers guided nature walks, workshops, and special events throughout the year.

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