3100 Dickerson Rd, Reno, NV 89503

Oxbow Nature Study Area

Park Description:

Oxbow Nature Study Area is a 22-acre conservation area and public access nature space with year-round restrooms. The nature study area is jointly managed by the Nevada Department of Wildlife and the City of Reno. Located along the Truckee River, Oxbow is home to a variety of native Nevadan habitats and wildlife.

Park Amenities:

Hiking trails and tables/benches.

Park Contact Information:

City of Reno - Parks & Facilities (775) 334-2417

Park Highlights

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Park History

Click the image to read each topic's full text!

Before the Nature Study Area.

This area used to be home to the Baker Family Farm, which included a small family home and farm structure. These are still located on the grounds today.

Unfortunately, since the land was located directly next to a series of train tracks, sales were elusive and difficult to obtain for the owners. Eventually, it became used as an educational resource and nature study area.

Image:
Photo by Haley McGuire.

Development Begins

In 1961, Nevada's Bureau of Land Management provided for the development of the Oxbow Nature Study Area after six acres of land was granted to the state. This land was gifted with the stipulation that it must be used for education, recreation, and wildlife conservation.

As a wildlife corridor, this area acts as a point of connection between native species, human inhabitants, and urban structures.

Image:
Photo by Alayna Wood.

Floods and Fires

By 1985, 11 additional acres were acquired, allowing the initiation of a development plan for the site. In 1990, most of the current structures were complete. However, shortly afterward, in 1997, a massive flood caused prolific damage to the majority of the site.

A second flood brought more challenges in 2005, only to be followed by a massive fire caused by lightning in 2008. Since then, the Oxbow Nature Study Area has been a source of education and community-building throughout the extensive habitat repair and restoration taking place.

Image:
Photo by Alayna Wood.

Why Oxbow?

Oxbow lakes are a natural phenomenon that forms as the result of channeling from where a river once flowed, which creates a u-shaped body of standing water that no longer connects to the river.

The finished product resembles the shape of the bow pin of an oxbow.

Image:
Photo by Alayna Wood.

Geology and Geography

During the flood in 1997, granite boulders traveled from the peaks of the Sierra Nevadas, knocking into each other and creating sand.

Most of the sand was carried downriver by raging waters, but floodwaters slowed at this lower point in elevation. The flooding caused the dispersion of five feet of sand throughout the park.

Image:
Photo by Alayna Wood.

Riparian Regions in Reno

As one of the few riparian areas in Reno that are still relatively intact, Oxbow Nature Study Area houses several ecosystems throughout various riverbanks. The riverbanks allow for the support of diverse species such as birds, fish, insects, and mammals while filtering out pollutants and improving water quality.

Initiatives are being implemented to reinforce soils while leveraging plant and tree roots as natural sources of protection from riverbank erosion.

Image:
Photo by Alayna Wood.

Present Day

Get Involved!

Donate:

Make a donation to support the Parks Project or your favorite Parks Foundation program, project, or wherever its needed! Click here to donate today.

Volunteer:

Support our parks by volunteering with the Parks Foundation! Attend a volunteer event or choose an ongoing role. Click here to explore opportunities.

iNaturalist:

Out in our parks or open spaces? Try cataloguing the biodiversity around you with iNaturalist! All it takes is downloading the iNaturalist app onto your phone to get started.

Curious what's been seen in this park? Click the link below to see what species other have spotted!

Oxbow Nature Study Area on iNaturalist

Contact:

Have a question about our parks or the Parks Project? Email us at parksproject@tmparksfoundation.org!

Want To Learn More?

References & Further Info:

City of Reno Parks & Facilities Directory - Oxbow Nature Study Area
Nevada Department of Wildlife - Oxbow Nature Study Area
Park History (Source: Reno Gazette)
Park Info & Amenities: (Sources: The Outdoor Project, and NDOW)
Directions, Birding, & Species Info: (Source: LAS)

Contributor(s):

Karly Bristol (history)

Haley McGuire

Alex Shahbazi

Last Updated:

September 15, 2022 at 7:08:10 PM

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