American Canyon Commits $1M To Napa River Ecology Center

AMERICAN CANYON, CA— The American Canyon City Council announced a $1 million contribution this week toward the creation of the Napa River Ecology Center at the American Canyon Wetlands, or Eco-Center.

This financial contribution — along with favorable lease terms with the project proponent, the American Canyon Community and Parks Foundation — represents a noteworthy community investment and signifies the Council's commitment to environmental sustainability.

The Eco-Center will engage students from across the Bay Area in the exploration and conservation of the American Canyon Wetlands. The Foundation's efforts will transform a former city maintenance facility at 205 Wetlands Edge Road into a vibrant hub for environmental education and nature–based art and science programs.

Situated along the San Francisco Bay Trail and adjacent to the estuary where the Napa River enters the San Francisco Bay, the site offers convenient public access for locals and visitors alike.

"We’re proud to partner with the City of American Canyon to invest in this site now, so it can serve our community forever," said Foundation Executive Director Janelle Sellick, emphasizing the long-term impact of the project. "The project site perfectly intersects opportunities for ecological conservation, environmental education and public access. Securing the long-term lease is an exciting milestone and the City’s dedicated funding will jumpstart our multi-million-dollar philanthropy efforts. If all goes well, construction could begin in early 2026."

Along with approving a long-term lease for the facility, the Council appropriated funds otherwise restricted to flood protection, stormwater detention and pollutant remediation.

"Nothing could be more sustainable than recycling existing infrastructure for a new purpose," City Manager Jason Holley said. "These funds are tailormade for this purpose, and I couldn’t think of a better partner than the Foundation to bring the Eco-Center to fruition."

The Eco-Center will feature a diverse range of amenities, including teaching gardens, a wildlife viewing deck, a nature-based playground, green demonstration features and new walking paths. An existing 5,000-square-foot building will be repurposed into an education and interpretive center, while a modular makers' space could house artists in residence programs. Plans for a kayak launch and wetlands restoration will provide new public recreation opportunities.

"The Eco-Center is poised to be a special gathering place for American Canyon," Mayor Leon Garcia said. "As partners with the Foundation, we are focused on connecting with the community and investing in the next generation of problem-solvers."

The American Canyon Community and Parks Foundation is a nonprofit organization that brings nature and community together through year-round environmental and outdoor programs. It was established in 2015 and serves over 3,000 people each year while empowering future environmental leaders and protecting the environment.

The organization has been raising funds for the Eco-Center since September 2021. Founding donors include the city of American Canyon, the Sierra Club, McGrath Properties, the California State Coastal Conservancy and many others.

The total cost of the project is $6 million and the foundation is still raising funds. Phase 1 is $3.5 million and covers building improvements, a front courtyard, teaching gardens, a nature-based playground, parking and access areas, an outdoor classroom, site security and fencing, walking path improvements and stormwater improvements.

Phase 2 is expected to cost $2.5 million and covers an environmental artist workshop, wetlands-facing courtyard, flex space and community gathering area, wetlands viewing area, walking paths, and second-story office improvements.

Learn more about the Eco-Center at https://www.acparks.org/napa-river-ecology-center/.