Rancho San Rafael Park

39.54967 , -119.82785

United States of America (USA)

Rancho San Rafael is an urban park in Reno that encompasses the Wilbur May Arboretum, a dog park, and a trail along Evans creek through a marshy area. There is also a small pond. The majority of the habitat consists of various ornamental, non-native trees, though there are cottonwoods along Evans Creek. The variety of habitats means that a good diversity of species can be found here, with the best numbers in the winter and migration. The arboretum has become the most reliable place in Nevada to see Purple Finch, with multiple annually (this species was removed from review under a decade ago, but has dramatically increased). In migration, a number of uncommon to rare local species have occurred occasionally, such as Lark Sparrow and Flammulated Owl, and this is likely the best area in Reno proper to find eastern vagrants, though it is not nearly as good as the traps in the desert. Some of the more remarkable records include Washoe county's first Hooded Warbler and a Red-eyed Vireo that stayed the summer and sucessfully hybridized with a Warbling Vireo.

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The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : 39.5497/-119.8279 (2020-11-22 12:40:19 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Rancho San Rafael Park" (2020-11-22 12:40:19 )

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-06-08 14:38:34
Rancho San Rafael is an urban park in Reno that encompasses the Wilbur May Arboretum, a dog park, and a trail along Evans creek through a marshy area. There is also a small pond. The majority of the habitat consists of various ornamental, non-native trees, though there are cottonwoods along Evans Creek. The variety of habitats means that a good diversity of species can be found here, with the best numbers in the winter and migration. The arboretum has become the most reliable place in Nevada to see Purple Finch, with multiple annually (this species was removed from review under a decade ago, but has dramatically increased). In migration, a number of uncommon to rare local species have occurred occasionally, such as Lark Sparrow and Flammulated Owl, and this is likely the best area in Reno proper to find eastern vagrants, though it is not nearly as good as the traps in the desert. Some of the more remarkable records include Washoe county's first Hooded Warbler and a Red-eyed Vireo that stayed the summer and sucessfully hybridized with a Warbling Vireo.

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Not available yet
  • Timing and strategy

It is usually best to arrive in the morning, and ideally during the week, as the park is heavily used by the general public and sometimes there are special events. There is a separate eBird hotspot for the Evans creek area and the dog park; lists from Rancho San Rafael should only include the arboretum.

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-06-08 14:43
It is usually best to arrive in the morning, and ideally during the week, as the park is heavily used by the general public and sometimes there are special events. There is a separate eBird hotspot for the Evans creek area and the dog park; lists from Rancho San Rafael should only include the arboretum.
  • How to get there

Off of North Sierra Street, turn onto San Rafael Drive. There is a parking lot here. Evans Creek can also be accessed of N Virginia

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-06-08 14:44
Off of North Sierra Street, turn onto San Rafael Drive. There is a parking lot here. Evans Creek can also be accessed of N Virginia

The park is open 8-5. The parking lot is gated at night due to safety concerns, so there is no access outside these hours. Entry is free.

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-06-08 14:46
The park is open 8-5. The parking lot is gated at night due to safety concerns, so there is no access outside these hours. Entry is free.
  • Other attractions

Rancho San Rafael is adjacent to the campus of the University of Nevada Reno, which has a number of attractions, including sporting games, cultural events such as concerts, and various other interesting activities. The park is also only a short drive from downtown Reno, for those who like casinos.

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-06-08 14:49
Rancho San Rafael is adjacent to the campus of the University of Nevada Reno, which has a number of attractions, including sporting games, cultural events such as concerts, and various other interesting activities. The park is also only a short drive from downtown Reno, for those who like casinos.

There are toilets near the parking area, and some sort of interpretive center at the arboretum.

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-06-08 14:50
There are toilets near the parking area, and some sort of interpretive center at the arboretum.

The area is fairly safe during the day, but be sure to lock your car.

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-06-08 14:51
The area is fairly safe during the day, but be sure to lock your car.
All information about this site was contributed by Orniverse users. Neither Orniverse nor the contributors accept responsibility for the completeness and accuracy of the information provided.

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Rancho San Rafael Park - Orniverse