The Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary

The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the City of Arcata’s innovative wastewater treatment facility. By integrating its conventional wastewater treatment with the natural treatment processes of constructed wetlands Arcata has succeeded in turning its treated wastewater into a resource. The sanctuary includes 307 acres of freshwater marshes, salt marsh with tidal slough, grassy uplands, tidal mudflats, brackish marsh, 5.4 miles of walking and biking paths and an Interpretive Center that serve over 150.000 visitors every year. The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary has received international recognition and numerous awards as a municipal planning design, a cost-effective public utility operation, an urban redevelopment plan, and a natural resource project.