Butte Creek Ecological Preserve
The Butte Creek Ecological Preserve was transferred to the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria on September 23, 2023.
Though the Mechoopda Indian Tribe is the new owner of the property, the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve (BCCER) will continue to handle reservations for research and field trips to the BCEP for the time being. This website is being maintained for archival purposes.
General inquiries about the BCEP? Reach out to the Mechoopda Tribe.
Nature Hikes and Observation
Hiking, flower and wildlife observing are compatible with the educational goal of the Preserve. All public access is walk-in only unless granted access otherwise. Please use common sense to prevent habitat damage.
Butte Creek Ecological Preserve Brochure and Guide (PDF)
Avoid Spreading Noxious Weeds
Invasion and dominance of ecosystems by non-native species is a major cause of loss of global biodiversity. The Preserve already has major weed problems.
Help prevent further problems by following common sense rules: Clean burs and mud from shoes and clothing before entering the reserve. Carry out seeds from any fruits you bring for lunch or snacks.
Leave No Trace
There are no trash cans at the Preserve so please help us protect the environment and natural habitat by taking out what you bring in.
- Entry is walk-in only without prior authorization
- No fires, camping, or parking after daylight hours
- No automobiles, ATVs, dirt bikes, bicycles, or horses
- No collecting of plants, animals, rocks, fossils, or artifacts (including gold mining)
- Alcohol use is not permitted on the BCEP
- The use of illicit drugs on the BCEP is prohibited
Violations will be prosecuted under Title 14, Section 630 of the California Code of Regulations.
Natural Hazards
Anyone planning to use the reserve should be aware of the natural hazards that exist in a natural environment: Due to the limited number and exits of roads, becoming trapped by a rapidly advancing wildfire is a serious possibility. Other natural hazards include high, cold winter and spring flows of Butte Creek, sheer cliffs, and the falling rocks or landslides they generate. In hot weather, sunstroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration are significant hazards. Poison oak, wildlife (bear, mountain lion, rattlesnake), wasps, and Lyme disease (tick-transmitted) are among additional hazards.
Warning: Cell phones will not work in most parts of the Preserve.