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Watsonville City Trails
Wandering the Wetlands of Watsonville
The Watsonville City Trails provide easy public access to this stunning 800 acre freshwater wetland. More than seven miles of trails and 29 trail entrances in Watsonville neighborhoods offer many opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of our special wetlands for recreation and relaxation.
- Trails are free, open every day
- Dogs on leash are welcome
- Wheelchair accessible trails noted on trail map
- Drop-in trail clean-up opportunities
- Trail maps available outside of the City's Nature Center or online here
Dogs on Trails
Dogs are permitted on leash only. To wildlife in the wetlands, off-leash dogs are often perceived as predators, causing unintentional wildlife disturbance and habitat damage. Dog owners are required to pick up their pet's waste. Please help protect our wildlife and water quality by utilizing a pet waste bag and disposing of it in the trash.
Trail Clean-up & Restoration Opportunities
Drop in to the City of Watsonville Nature Center anytime during open hours and take part in picking up litter around Ramsay Park or on the adjacent trails. Materials are provided and we can verify volunteer hours for High School Students. You can also join us for one of our Center's community event days listed here:
- World Wetlands Day - February
- National Trails Day - June
- Coastal Clean Up Day - September
Learn While You Walk
Many interpretive trail signs have been installed along the Wetlands of Watsonville. These trail signs teach about the natural and cultural history of our wetlands and address local conservation issues.
Award Winning Trails
In May of 2006, the City of Watsonville received an award from the California Association of Trails for the development of community trails highlighting wetland protection. The trails also received recognition from the California Transportation Foundation, winning the 17th annual 2006 TRANNY award for Pedestrian Bicycle Project of the Year.
Recommended Trail Walks & Entrances
Watsonville Slough Trail
Trail Head: Park at the City of Watsonville Nature Center - 30 Harkins Slough Road, Watsonville, CA. 831-768-1622. Trail Map (PDF) available outside Nature Center. Trail entrance behind center. Follow trail to the right, under the bridge.
Approximate walk: 0.5 miles to Ohlone Parkway and back.
Ohlone Trail
Trail Head: Park in the back of the West Marine parking lot by trail head - 500 Westridge Drive, Watsonville, CA.
Approximate walk: 1.5 miles
Upper Struve Slough Trail
Trail Head: Park in Body Zone parking lot (behind Body Zone) by trail head - 1810 Main Street, Watsonville, CA.
Approximate walk: 1.5 miles
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Tami Stolzenthaler
Environmental Education CoordinatorPhone: (831) 768-3107
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Nature Center
Physical Address
30 Harkins Slough Road
Watsonville, CA 95076
Mailing Address
250 Main Street
Watsonville, CA 95076
Phone: 831-768-1622Fax: 831-768-1622
Hours
March - October
Saturdays and Sundays
11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
November - February
Saturdays and Sundays
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Holidays Closed
- 4th of July
- Easter
- Christmas Eve and Day
- New Year's Eve and Day