Site Open

Chico Seed Orchard

The Chico Seed Orchard is located on 209 acres in Chico, California. Development started in 1904 when the site was assigned to the Agricultural Research Service for the purpose of plant breeding research and plant introduction from all over the world.

The orchard's primary functions are:

Provide high-quality, source-identified seed.
Enhance reforestation success in current and future planting environments.
Promote gene conservation in the Pacific Southwest Region.
Focus on ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir seed production.

Seed produced at the Chico Seed Orchard benefits:

Ecological restoration
Wildfire recovery
Native American cultural values
Forest health, including research and disease resistance

The secondary function is to provide for recreation, public service, and education. Recreational activities include:

1-mile self-guided, paved and accessible nature trail
Wildlife and bird watching
Dog walking (leash required)
Picnicking
Trash and restrooms available
No public drinking water

Current Conditions

Pets must be on a leash. The main gate on site is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on holidays. The pedestrian gate is open seven days a week, except on holidays, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from March 1 through October 31. From November 1 through February 29, the pedestrian gate is open daily, except on holidays, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors are not allowed on the property after dark.

Active Alerts

Chico Seed Orchard Public Use and Access Closure

General Information

The main gate on site is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on holidays. The pedestrian gate is open daily, except on holidays, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from March 1 through October 31. From November 1 through February 29, the pedestrian gate is open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors are not allowed on the property after dark.

Visitors are not allowed on the property after dark.
No public services available at the office.
Butte County pet leash laws apply, are posted, and are enforced.
Public access is restricted to specific roads and areas designated for recreational use.

No Fees are required for this site.

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 39.7063

Longitude: -121.7839

Facility and Amenity Information

Accessibility

Comanche Trail (1 mile loop) Visitors can stroll through this self-guided, wheel chair-accessible nature trail and enjoy lunch at one of the five trail-side picnic spots. The 3/4 mile hard surface trail winds through mixed stands of mature trees with walk bridges crossing small stream beds.