The 2.55 acre Dow’s Prairie Educational Wetland (DPEW) includes a seasonal pond that fills by early winter and dries out in late spring/early summer. This wetland provides important habitat for Pacific chorus (tree) and red legged frogs. Acquired by the McKinleyville Land Trust in 2008, it is located adjacent to Dow’s Prairie Elementary School near the corner of Central Avenue and Grange Road in McKinleyville, California.

At DPEW, students learn about wetlands and native plants. The McKinleyville Land Trust provides guest lecturers on ecology, history, cultural studies, art and more, and the school follows grade level appropriate curriculum.

Native plant restoration and Scotch broom removal is on-going and accomplished by service groups and community members.

This seasonal wetland provides a unique resource and outdoor classroom for Dow’s Prairie Elementary School

Limited Access: Access is by appointment only to protect sensitive habitat and native plant restoration and also to coordinate with school activities at the site. Parking is limited. Please contact us to request a visit.

For more information, please see our wetland brochure.

In the News: Boy Scouts Pull Invasive Scotch Broom at Dow’s Prairie Educational Wetland (June 10, 2021)