About the BCCER

The Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve contains 3,950 acres of diverse canyon and ridge habitats, including 4.5 miles of Big Chico Creek, and is home to many species of plants and animals. BCCER was created with the purchase of the Simmons Ranch in 1999 and the Henning Ranch in 2001. It is owned and managed by the California State University, Chico, Research Foundation.

The Reserve ranges in elevation from 700 feet to 2,044 feet and contains a wide variety of habitats, including creek riffles and pools, riparian areas, oak woodlands, chaparral, pine forest, rock cliffs, and springs. These diverse habitats support more than 140 different wildlife species, including a number of listed species and species requiring large tracts of undisturbed habitat. BCCER contributes to the understanding and wise management of the Earth and its natural systems by preserving critical habitat, and providing a natural area for environmental research and education.

Directions to BCCER Headquarters
Take Highway 32 east from Chico. From the Bruce Road/Highway 32 intersection travel 9.7 miles. Turn left at the green 3521 sign onto a paved, single-lane road that disappears downhill. Follow this road through a gate where it becomes gravel and 0.6 miles further to the reserve headquarters. Where the road forks go right. Park by the barn. [If you are coming from the East, the turnoff is 2.4 miles from the Nopel Avenue intersection in Forest Ranch.]
The reserve gate is normally locked unless there is an organized event or tour but there is a parking area on Highway 32 just downhill of the reserve entrance where folks can leave cars while walking in the reserve. Permits to hike on the BCCER may be obtained at this link .

More Information
For details about geology, plants, animals, etc. visit our Ecosystem Page.

Meet our Management Team.

BCCER Brochure, pdf file (available soon)

Humbolt lilies agaimst the BCCER skyline