The Bufferlands encompasses 2,150-acres of open space surrounding the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. The facility serves our community, strives to be a good neighbor to Elk Grove residents by providing a buffer to minimize potential odors or inconveniences, and provides high quality habitat for wildlife (including threatened and endangered species), farmland, and scenic open space. The Sacramento Valley Conservancy holds a conservation easement on a portion of the Bufferlands.
The upland and wetland habitats in the Bufferlands support “more than 230 species of birds, 25 species of native mammals and several native fish, amphibians, and reptiles. The Bufferlands is also home to more than 20 species of rare plants and animals, including several threatened and endangered species such as Swainson’s hawk, vernal pool fairy shrimp and giant garter snakes.”
Visit Regional San’s Bufferlands website for more information.
Public Access
The Bufferlands hosts monthly guided tours focused on the plants and wildlife living on the property, and for visitors to connect with nature.

Key Protected Species
Chinook Salmon
Swainson's Hawk