Pope Ranch Conservation Bank

Pope Ranch Conservation Bank
The Pope Ranch Conservation Bank is part of Wildlands’ 391 acre preserve in the Yolo Bypass in the Sacramento Valley of California. The conservation bank, established in April of 2001, is designed to provide aquatic and upland habitats for the threatened giant garter snake.

The bank features open water and channels, perennial marsh and a combination of seasonal and upland habitat. Small islands and raised areas are provided for basking and sunning areas for the giant garter snake. Pope Ranch is in close proximity to the nationally recognized Vic Fazio Wildlife Area. In addition to providing important habitat to the giant garter snake, the bank also provides habitat for important migratory waterfowl along the Pacific Flyway.

The north portion of the Pope Ranch property is dedicated to providing foraging habitat for Swainson’s hawks. The land is kept in irrigated pasture, which supports populations of voles and mice, providing prey for the hawks.

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