What: UC Davis scientists and managers of The Nature Conservancy's Cosumnes River/Delta Project will describe a new research collaboration that is likely to become a model for university/conservancy cooperation and for future river management and restoration across the nation. The Cosumnes River is the only remaining waterway that flows unchecked from the Sierra to the Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta, making it a priceless and unique natural classroom for studies of river ecology and hydrology. The project is an unprecedented collaboration between public agencies, private conservation groups, farmers, ranchers and philanthropists, all committed to sharing resources and exporting knowledge about the natural cycles of life in the Cosumnes River ecosystem. When: 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 6. Alternative dates in case of heavy rain: Dec. 7 and Dec. 14. Where: Cosumnes River Preserve, 30 minutes south of Sacramento off Interstate 5. Visuals: First, a half-hour of short verbal descriptions of the research program, delivered by UC Davis researchers and the preserve director inside the Preserve's Visitors Center, a small museum with maps, interpretive displays and attractive scenes of wildlife and natural habitat. Second, field trips by van to sites along the Cosumnes River and in the floodplain to demonstrate research and restoration projects already under way. Expect to see multitudes of birds, oak and cottonwood groves, agricultural fields serving double duty as wildlife habitat, and the river itself. Other Visual Opportunities: If enough photographers and videographers are interested, an advance trip by boat up the Cosumnes could be arranged for Friday, Dec. 3, weather permitting. The trip would depart from a marina that is about 40 minutes from Sacramento and would last about two hours. Please contact Sylvia Wright (see below) if you are interested in learning more about this option. Background: The Cosumnes River Preserve, a public-private partnership, is a mature land conservation project within the Cosumnes watershed. To date, preserve partners have secured permanent protection for nearly 40,000 acres of land. Understanding processes that influence the health and function of the Cosumnes River will help guide multibillion dollar efforts to restore the river ecosystems and reduce flood damage throughout the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valley. With start-up funds of $1.5 million from the CALFED Ecosystem Restoration Program and $500,000 from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation Conservation Program, researchers from the UC Davis Watershed Center are evaluating the links between river processes, land management, restoration efforts and ecosystem health in the Cosumnes River watershed. Directions: From Interstate 5, exit at Twin Cities Road. (The exit just before Twin Cities is Hood Franklin Road.) Travel east on Twin Cities about 1 mile to Franklin Road. Turn right (south) on Franklin Road and travel about 1.5 miles to the entrance to the Preserve Visitors Center, which will be on your left.