When I say SMUD, most people in the Sacramento County area might simply think of their electric company. After all, SMUD is the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, which does send us our electric bills.
Some people might think of the tree planting that SMUD does. Free shade trees given to anyone in the SMUD service area who requests them, along with expert information on planting, maintenance, and where they should be located for best results to lower your heating and cooling bills. Each household may receive 10 free shade trees. This is an ongoing program in partnership with the Sacramento Tree Foundation.
But did you know that SMUD also maintains a large and beautiful recreation area at Rancho Seco? It is just 25 miles from downtown Sacramento, and is open year around. You might know that about 40 years ago, they built a nuclear power plant there, but because of several problems in getting it going, SMUD had concerns that it might not be safe. 
They shut it down and they converted the acreage instead into a wonderful recreation area for everyone to enjoy.
There is a 160 acre lake for fishing and a rest stop for migratory birds. SMUD also has a solar farm on the land, which produces a great deal of clean energy. But most visitors simply enjoy camping, fishing, boating, swimming, windsurfing, bird watching, picnicking, hiking, and generally just having a lot of fun.
The Howard Ranch Trail and the Amanda Blake Memorial Wildlife Refuge are two newer recreational additions to the Rancho Seco area.
The Howard Ranch Trail is the result of SMUD's partnership with The Nature Conservancy, which purchased 12,000 acres of the property once owned by Charles Howard, a businessman perhaps best known as the owner of the famed racehorse Seabiscuit.
On this trail you will see different things at different times of the year. You might enjoy the vernal pools, full of wildlife, fields of wildflowers,
threatened and endangered species that are protected in the area, and - yes - some cattle, as this section of the park contains a working cattle ranch too.
You might want to spend a day in the Amanda Blake Memorial Wildlife Refuge. Access to this refuge is included in the modest park entry fee, and is well worth the visit.
SMUD may be the only utility with emus on their land, but they are also partners in preservation for the animals of the Amanda Blake Memorial Wildlife Refuge.
The refuge is named after the late actress and wildlife advocate Amanda Blake (Miss Kitty from the "Gunsmoke" TV series). The animals on the 75 acre sanctuary, including giant eland, emu, ostrich and African antelope, were bred in captivity and rescued by Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).
PAWS is a non-profit organization based in Sacramento County and dedicated to improving the quality of life for captive wildlife and other exotic animals.
Amanda Blake helped finance the start-up of PAWS and devoted a great deal of time and money in support of its efforts. Upon her death, at her request, her memorabilia was auctioned off with the proceeds all going to PAWS. The Refuge is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, although the rest of the park is open longer hours and every day. 
Admission to Rancho Seco Park is $10 per vehicle ($8 for seniors), and gives you access to the Amanda Blake Memorial Wildlife Refuge. For more information, hours, and any other fees, such as for camping, call 916-732-4913 or 209-748-2318.
So when I say SMUD, you might think "fun"! Sacramento County has so many wonderful places for us to enjoy, and it is a great place to live.
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Susan Neal
Broker / Realtor
Susan Neal Fine Properties
Century 21 Noel David Realty
Fair Oaks, California
Full time real estate services in Fair Oaks CA, with friendly professionalism, 30+ years experience.
I work hard to give my buyer or seller a low-stress transaction.
"Happy clients make me happy."
For all your real estate needs or questions, call me at (916)705-8951 or visit my website at www.SusanNealFineProperties.com.
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