Butte Creek Ecological Preserve

The Butte Creek Eco­log­i­cal Pre­serve (BCEP) is a 93-acre nat­ur­al site sit­u­at­ed along a scenic stretch of Butte Creek.

For­mer­ly a loca­tion for gold and grav­el min­ing, the area has under­gone exten­sive restora­tion to return the land to its nat­ur­al state. Today, it offers over a mile of creek frontage and serves as a vital sanc­tu­ary for local wildlife, includ­ing the West­ern Pond Tur­tle and the Yel­low-legged Frog.

The waters of Butte Creek are essen­tial to the region’s ecol­o­gy, serv­ing as crit­i­cal spawn­ing grounds for the Cen­tral Val­ley Spring Run Chi­nook Salmon. This pop­u­la­tion is one of the most sig­nif­i­cant in the state, mak­ing the pre­serve a key link in the health of the North­ern Cal­i­for­nia watershed.

Open to the pub­lic year-round, the pre­serve is a des­ti­na­tion for vis­i­tors who want to explore the local land­scape, observe native species, and enjoy the qui­et beau­ty of the creek.

About the Butte Coun­ty Eco­log­i­cal Preserve 

The pre­serve is owned by the Mechoop­da Indi­an Tribe of Chico Rancheria and man­aged in part­ner­ship with Chico State. Togeth­er, they use the BCEP as a hands-on learn­ing and research site, focus­ing on vital areas like water qual­i­ty, wildlife con­ser­va­tion, and fire prevention.

Direc­tions

From Hwy 99 south of Chico take the Sky­way exit and go east towards Par­adise. Con­tin­ue to Hon­ey Run Road and turn left onto Hon­ey Run Road. Con­tin­ue east 3.1 miles to a group of hous­es and a 30mph curve. The Pre­serve park­ing lot and (small) sign are at the end of the curve on the right.

If you get to the Hon­ey Run Cov­ered Bridge, you have gone too far.