Environmental Studies Department

Environment

Founded in 1849, Sacramento was California’s first city and the heart of the gold rush.  It is located at the confluence of two of the state’s largest rivers, the Sacramento and the American River. 



The Sacramento Valley rests between the Sierra Nevada to the east and the Pacific Coast mountain range to the west.  This beautifully diversified terrain ranges from lush green deltas to rolling foothills and snowy mountain tops.


The lush green hillsides of the winter give way to golden, rolling hills dotted with valley oak in the summer.  The Central Valley is well suited for agriculture and its mild Mediterranean climate makes it bountiful for local growers.