Photo taken November 15, 2025 © Doug Mandel.
The Shasta Chapter’s field trip to Jenny Creek Open Space was a fun experience. Twenty people from a range of backgrounds participated. Dan Bye from Shasta Birding Society identified many birds in the Open Space, while David Ledger, Conservation Chair for Shasta Chapter CNPS and chair of the Shasta Group of Sierra Club, led the field trip and identified many of the native plants we encountered. We highlighted the importance of this natural habitat, which could be lost if paved and lighted trails are built here.
Currently, mountain biking groups are supporting the proposed creation of a paved and lighted trail here, which would result in the removal of 60 trees, including ~40 blue oaks. Such a trail would create a huge gash in the Open Space, which is as narrow as 150 feet in places. When the required 25-foot setback from the bank of Jenny Creek is taken into account, that leaves less than 100 feet of woodland in certain sections in which to run a trail. In addition, some versions of the proposed trail call for a width of up to 16 feet.
Some of this area has a steep slope, which would require a significant bank cut on one side of the trail and fill on the other, adversely affecting the hydrology of Jenny Creek and overall wildlife habitat. Residents have seen salmon in the creek and protected steelhead trout gathering in pools, both of which could be adversely affected by the proposed trail.
Following the field trip, we met at the home of a Friends of Jenny Creek supporter for a delicious lunch and social gathering where attendees made new friends and acquaintances. Redding Vice Mayor Mike Littau attended this field trip and lunch to learn more about what was being proposed. We appreciate that Mr. Littau took several hours from his busy schedule to join us. ~David Ledger
