Friends of West Pond - Davis

Springtime at the PondBirders gather at the Message Board for monthly birding walks year-round.

A rare male Summer Tanager sampled wasps in a mulberry tree on May 8, 2019.

Aerial View of West PondOur BannerWinter rains fill the Pond Three Observation PlatformsCinnamon Teal

The Friends of West Pond is a volunteer association of people who enjoy the wildlife habitat at the West Area Pond in Davis. The Friends welcome new members and there is no obligation of time or money. While you enjoy spending time here, just keep a watchful eye on wildlife and human activities in and around West Pond and share anything new or different going on. Inappropriate activities should be reported to the Davis Police Dept.

To join The Friends of West Pond email [email protected] Send your photos and join the conversation on http://www.facebook.com/FriendsofWestPond

The Pond is an enhanced wetland wildlife habitat, while its primary purpose is to retain stormwater runoff and help prevent flooding. In the dry months, water may be provided by a well at the south end of the Pond. Most of the year, the Pond must rely on rain and runoff from the surrounding neighborhoods. The Pond is enclosed by a security fence and is designated a "Wildlife Preserve" and "Sensitive Habitat Area" by the City of Davis. Native trees and shrubs grow on the slopes around the Pond and provide habitat for a diversity of wildlife. The Public Works Dept. manages the water levels and vegetation inside the fenced area.

If the Pond fills during winter storms, water is pumped to channels that eventually lead all the way to the Sacramento River. The California Coastal Commission designates the 3rd Saturday in September as "CA Coast and Waterways Cleanup Day." On that day from 9AM-noon, volunteers pick up trash and recyclables all around West Pond. It's more fun than it sounds! Watch for announcements of next year's Cleanup Day on our Facebook and in The Davis Enterprise.

and see photos from past Cleanups on our Facebook page.

Recent articles about the Friends of West Pond:

The Davis Enterprise, Oct. 20, 2021;

Very nice tribute to the Friends!

"The California Aggie" featured West Pond on Jan. 16, 2017 :

The West Pond: the hidden gem of Davis | The Aggie.pdf

The Burrowing Owl, Yolo Audubon Society:

Watch Wildlife

Wood Ducks nest at the Pond in the Spring

Nuttall's Woodpecker

News: We have resumed 2-hour birding walks on the first Wed. of every month in the West Pond area. Walks start at the Gazebo at the park at the west end of Isle Royale Ln. at 8AM, March-October, and 9AM, November through February. Walks are led by The Friends of West Pond. The beauty of monthly visits to a specific location is an increased understanding of the seasonal variation in plant and animal activities. Bring your binoculars and join us on these walks. Rest rooms are available near the north end of the Pond at the UCD Medical Clinic Bldg.

The Greenbelt is perfect for birdwatching all year around.

This Checklist of Birds can be downloaded and printed and folded to carry: Checklist of Birds at West Pond 2023.pdf

Great Backyard Bird Count at West Pond, 2011- GBBCs2011-16.pdf GBBCs 2017 and 2018.pdf

Checklist of Butterflies 2007-present: Butterflies at West Pond2015.pages.pdf

Annotated List of Mammals, Herps and Fish at West Pond and Surrounding Neighborhood: WestPond_Mammal_HerpList_January2015_Version9..pdf

Rufous Hummingbird Monarch Butterfly Jackrabbit

Bike or Stroll the Greenbelt at West Pond

The Greenbelt has paved walkways and several comfortable benches. The small Park at the west end of Isle Royale Lane has picnic tables shaded by a trellis/gazebo, a lawn for games, and a drinking fountain. At the north end, near the UCD Medical Bldg., there is a second picnic area within a small garden, and a Bocce court for public use. Restrooms are at the Medical Bldg open Mon-Fri. There is a bus stop at the corner of Arlington Boulevard and Shasta Drive for the D K and P lines. You can walk, pedal, or drive to the Greenbelt. There's parking space for cars and a rack for bikes at the west end of Isle Royale Lane.

Visit the Butterfly & Hummingbird Garden and California Native Pollinator Garden

The Friends of West Pond planted the Butterfly & Hummingbird Garden in 2007. You are very welcome to join our garden work parties at 9am on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Weds of the month! Contact [email protected] to learn about upcoming events, or check our Facebook page for announcements.

Bumblebee HesperaloeVisit the Garden any time of year--especially during spring!

Recent Sightings:

April 2017 marked the 10th Anniversary of the Butterfly & Hummingbird Garden. What did it look like in 2007? Not much! It was used as a parking lot for the City's landscape trucks: