The Wetlands

Whether it's fun on the Colorado River or hiking a scenic trail, the East and West Wetlands have plenty to offer this winter.

In addition, there's a playground for children, fishing, Frisbee golf and bird watching.

One great way to see Yuma, said Charles Flynn, executive director of the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, is from a canoe or kayak.

The city of Yuma began a canoeing and kayaking program through Parks and Rec. A party of at least eight people can arrange to go up to the confluence of the hill on the Colorado River in the East Wetlands and take a two-hour canoe or kayak ride from there, passing through downtown and ending up in the West Wetlands.

"It's a neat deal. I think people who have been on it see Yuma entirely different," Flynn said. "It's rare that you see the whole area from the river out as opposed to on land."

On the south side of the East Wetlands, about another 150 acres are under restoration, bringing the total to about 450 acres, Flynn said. He added that in addition to the restoration, one of the major efforts going on is the creation of a series of trails that is expected to be ready within the next six to eight months.

There are currently maintenance roads to hike and guided tours on Saturday mornings.

"Our goal is to install both directional and interpretive signage in the East Wetlands for trails, stabilize the trails and make it much more accessible to the community for hiking over the next year," Flynn said. Flynn said that the Wetlands have become a haven for fishermen, adding that the south channel, which is the back channel off the river, is a great place to catch bass.

"I hike there through the winter and invariably you'll see a lot of people. They figured out where all the good fishing holes are and they're out there." With the removal of non-native vegetation, in addition to the native trees,bird to the native trees, bird watching has become more popular. Flynn said there is now a much better habitat that is drawing a "wider variety and greater abundance of wildlife."

The children aren't left out of the picture either. The Stewart Vincent Wolfe Creative Playground was installed in the West Wetlands in 2007 and is very popular in the community, Flynn said.

"The community raised over $400,000 in funds, built it over two weeks and I think there's a real sense of ownership by the community in that park," he said. There is also a bike trail and equestrian trail that runs from the West Wetlands through Gateway Park and the downtown area and connects to East Wetlands.

In the West Wetlands, more turf and grass are being added, along with an irrigation system for Frisbee golf.

Also in the master plan, Flynn added, will be to expand larger beach areas over the next few years and add a multi-use bike trail.