Trail Now Open at Yuma East Wetlands
Date:
01/04/2010 (Last updated: 01/05/2010)Summary:
The trail begins at the eastern edge of Gateway Park, at Gila Street and 1st Street in downtown Yuma. From there, hikers can head east under the historic Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge and adjacent rail bridge along the riverside trail.Contact:
Six Markers Set Up East of Gateway Park
Yuma, Arizona - With the coming of the new year, another milestone was reached in the restoration of 1,400 acres known as the Yuma East Wetlands - a walking trail is now open to the public.
The trail begins at the eastern edge of Gateway Park, at Gila Street and 1st Street in downtown Yuma. From there, hikers can head east under the historic Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge and adjacent rail bridge along the riverside trail.
Marked at six locations, the trail takes visitors through areas of restored cottonwood, willow and mesquite habitat and along the Colorado River and restored back channel. The path offers views of restored marshes and wetlands as well as the wildlife that have rediscovered the area since the restoration activities began in 2004.
A brochure with a trail map is available to assist hikers. Visitors may pick one up at the following locations:
- Yuma Visitors Center, located at the front of the Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park, 201 N. 4th Ave.
- Parks and Recreation office on the first floor of City Hall, One City Plaza (3rd Street between 1st and Madison avenues).
Although still a work in progress, restoration of the Yuma East Wetlands has shown significant progress. Currently 350 acres have been restored, ranging from riparian habitat to back water channel excavation and wetlands creation. The restoration project is a partnership between the City of Yuma, the Quechan Indian Tribe and the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area.
Trail users are asked to follow several simple rules:
- The Yuma East Wetlands is open from dawn to dusk only.
- All off-road vehicles are prohibited throughout the wetlands.
- Users are asked to stay on trail to avoid damaging vulnerable habitat.
- No animals or vegetation may be disturbed or removed.
- No firearms are other weapons are allowed.
- Hunting is prohibited.
For More Information
For more information, including on how to volunteer at the Yuma East Wetlands, contact the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area at (928) 373-5198.
Media Contacts
Members of the media may contact Director of Communications and Public Affairs Greg Hyland, CPM at (928) 373-5023 or (928) 580-4751, or Public Affairs Coordinator Dave Nash at (928) 373-5015, or (928) 941-0199.
