Verbena Fields

Verbena Fields is a unique 17-acre native restoration and interpretive park located in Chico, California. Situated at the corner of East 1st Avenue and Verbena Lane in North Chico, this park was historically a floodplain for Lindo Channel and later used as a gravel mine for road construction.

The park serves as an educational resource, designed to inform visitors about the rich ecological heritage of the Mechoopda people, who are part of a coalition working to restore this habitat. Verbena Fields offers opportunities for visitors to engage with nature while learning about local ecosystems and ecological stewardship.

Throughout the year, various events and activities take place at Verbena Fields. Every Friday, gatherings are held for volunteers to participate in land management activities. During summer months, these sessions run from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. to avoid the intense valley heat. Additionally, Wildtending Plant Walks occur on the last Tuesday of each month, starting approximately two hours before sundown.

The park also hosts cultural burning events, which are part of traditional ecological knowledge practices. These activities, along with other educational programs, contribute to the park's mission of preserving and sharing indigenous land management techniques.

Verbena Fields provides a serene environment for walking, hiking, and observing native plants. It serves as a living classroom, offering visitors a chance to learn about and participate in the restoration of native habitats while appreciating the natural beauty of the Chico area.