Wildlife Refuge and Farm
Our entire 928-acre main campus is a designated wildlife refuge and home to an 85-acre working farm. These spaces serve as outdoor classrooms where students explore, experiment, and engage directly with the environment.
Butte College Farm: Hands-On Agriculture
The Butte College Farm is a hands-on learning environment for agriculture and natural resources students. The farm produces a variety of crops and supports student-led projects that reflect real-world agricultural practices.
Students gain experience in sustainable farming, animal care, and crop management—skills that translate directly into the workforce.
Our farm includes:
Seasonal fruits and vegetables
Including hay, wheat, rye, citrus trees, and pumpkins.
A 6-acre vineyard
We grow three varieties of red wine grapes
Goats
Our goats act as a sustainable method for vegetation management for our 928-acre campus and wildlife refuge.
Wildlife species you may see in the area include but are not limited to deer, coyote, fox, squirrels, turkey, owls, woodpeckers, waterfowl, beaver, river otters, and egrets. A few of the more dangerous wildlife you may encounter are rattlesnakes, ticks, yellowjackets, and the occasional mountain lion or bear.
Our campus is not only known for its wildlife but also for its diverse plant life. You may come across several wildflower species that bloom throughout the year, along with sky lupin, yellow carpet, and foothill poppy.
A bat box among the trees.
Vernal pool.
Students attending class in the grasslands.
Goats clearing the refuge.
Explore, Learn, and Restore
Students in biology, natural resources, and environmental science courses use the refuge to explore ecosystems, restore native plants, and study wildlife firsthand.
Student projects include:
- Pond and marsh construction and restoration
- Riparian restoration using goats
- Native plant research and habitat management
- Building trails, fire breaks, and erosion control systems.
Classes and Clubs that Bring the Refuge to Life
Interested in learning on the land? These courses make the most of our unique outdoor spaces:
- Biology: BIOL 5, 11, 12
- Natural Resources: NR 20, 28, 40, 55, 65, 70
Join a student club that supports our natural spaces:
- Friends of the Refuge
- Symbiotic Solutions
Nature Watching and Hiking
Many campus trails are open for hiking, photography, and wildlife observation. A trail map is coming soon.
On the southeast end of campus, a 1-mile trail loop winds along Clear Creek. This scenic route features interpretive signs to guide and educate hikers along the way.
For those looking to explore further, the gate located just north of the Allied Health and Public Services building leads to Water Tower Butte and serves as a starting point for additional trails throughout the refuge.
