Congressman Secures $850K For Napa River Ecology Center

AMERICAN CANYON, CA — U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson has secured $850,000 in federal grant funds for the Napa River Ecology Center — Eco Center— in American Canyon, the city of American Canyon announced Monday.

The federal grant check, which will be presented to the American Canyon Community and Parks Foundation during a ceremony Tuesday, represents another significant milestone in funding the center's construction, city officials said.

The check presentation will take place at American Canyon’s current Corporation Yard at 205 Wetlands Edge Road — the site of the future Eco Center. Once established, the 2.5-acre Eco Center will highlight the Napa River Wetlands in American Canyon through hands-on educational areas, community courtyards, an environmental artist workshop and more.

The planning process started in Spring 2020 and the Foundation is actively taking steps to begin construction by early 2026.

"Through the Eco Center, we seek to create an environmental and community legacy in American Canyon and the entire Napa Valley," said Parks Foundation Executive Director Janelle Sellick. "Thanks to Congressman Thompson’s support, we are one step closer to seeing our vision come to life. We are truly grateful for the Congressman’s commitment to the community and the environment."

In late February, it was announced that the American Canyon City Council allocated $1 million toward the creation of the Eco Center.

"In American Canyon, we’re passionate about stirring community members to build environmental curiosity, understanding and respect for the natural world," said Mayor Leon Garcia. "We are confident the Eco Center will help everyone do just that."

Located along the Napa River Wetlands and adjacent to the San Francisco Bay and Bay Water Trails, the Eco Center will provide a unique opportunity for conservation programs and environmental education.

The Eco Center will offer nature-based classes and programs, new wetlands paths and ways to connect with nature through art.

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