Congress designated the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area (Delta NHA) as California’s first National Heritage Area in 2019. NHAs are a grassroot, community-driven approach to heritage conservation and economic development. Designated local coordinating entities collaborate with communities to determine how to make heritage relevant to local interests and needs. NHAs support historic preservation, natural resource conservation, recreation, heritage tourism, and educational projects through public-private partnerships.

The Delta NHA boundary extends from Sacramento to Stockton to Vallejo with the junction of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers at its heart. The history of California’s Delta and Carquinez Strait is a rich tapestry of indigenous peoples and immigrants from around the world, natural beauty and wildlife and engineering marvels, bustling metropolitan areas and picturesque rural towns. The native peat soils provide for fertile cropland and its water supports 29 million Californians.

Visitors to the Delta NHA have many experiences to choose from while winding along the scenic roads, cruising the 700-plus miles of waterways, and spending time in the area’s many towns and cities. There are opportunities for water recreation, birding, fishing, agritourism, heritage tourism, and so much more.

The Delta NHA, managed by the Delta Protection Commission, is committed to supporting the region’s economic development and the preservation of its historical significance. You can obtain more information about management of the Delta NHA on the Delta Protection Commission website or by calling (916) 375-4800.

Resources:

The Delta Heritage Courier is an electronic newsletter. Read the latest issue and sign up to receive the bi-monthly newsletter in your inbox.

For more information about National Heritage Areas, please visit the National Park Service website and read the stories of National Heritage Areas across the country in Heart and Soul magazine.