☰Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary

The Arcata Marsh is a 154-acre wildlife sanctuary on the edge of Humboldt Bay that also functions as the city's wastewater treatment facility — a pioneering ecological design from the 1980s that has since become a model for municipalities worldwide. Over 300 bird species have been recorded here, and the loop trail around the ponds is one of the finest birding walks on the North Coast. Peak shorebird activity is during spring and fall migration. The Friends of the Arcata Marsh lead free guided walks on Saturday mornings at 8:30am from the Interpretive Center at 569 South G St.