Herons, otters, deer, lizards and mountain lions have a better home now that a wetland habitat restoration project has been completed at Shiloh Ranch Regional Park in Sonoma County.
The Sonoma County Regional Parks project repaired erosion, restored wetland habitat and enhanced an old pond to create an improved refuge for wildlife at the park, which is located near the unincorporated city of Windsor.
Some of the park’s trails were re-routed to give animals in certain areas of the pond more privacy. At the same time, humans visiting the park will benefit because the pond looks better after the improvements, according to park officials.
The 850-acre park has nearly eight miles of trails for hiking, bicycle, and horseback riding. It includes oak woodlands, forests of mixed evergreens, ridges with sweeping views of the Santa Rosa Plain, canyons, rolling hills, a shaded creek and a pond.
The parking area has a large lot for horse trailers, a flush restroom, and a drinking fountain.