It’s been a little more than 20 years since I first heard a fascinating story reported about the nearby city of Davis. Davis is located a few miles west along highway 80 from Sacramento, and is unique in its reputation for being environmentally conscious and Birkenstock wearing. However, it was during the 1990s, that “famous” Toad Tunnel construction under a new six-lane highway made headline news in the greater Sacramento region, if not nationally, putting Davis on the map.
“Toad Hollow” occupies a spot where a local amphibian population faced mortal danger while crossing a new six-lane highway after being cut off from their migratory path and ancestral wetlands. The habits of the local toads were well known by a number of Davis folks, and apprehension grew for the safety of the warty neighbors. After civic hoopla, remedy was sought for their protection.
$14,000 was eventually spent in 1995, to construct access tunnels beneath the highway, allowing the toads to travel northbound and southbound unharmed to and from the wetlands.
Although visiting the site of Toad Hollow hadn’t ranked very far to the top of my Bucket List, this afternoon, I had free time to spend with my son and daughter-in-law. So, after lunch it was decided we’d go on the little adventure of finding and exploring the place. Because it had built up a little in my mind over the past two decades, first glance of the actual place was a little underwhelming. But, still, all in all, I’m glad I was able to see it up close and personal.
In the pictures below, you can see the little Toad Hollow village. To the right of the picture frame, you can see the tunnel, measuring about 12 inches in width, which begins its journey beneath the 6 lanes of highway.
I understand there was a live cam on the site at one time, but no toads were ever seen entering into or emerging from the tunnel.
Toad Hollow is located immediately adjacent the Davis Post Office. The following links provide a little more history, and some direction on getting there!
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/12663
http://californiathroughmylens.com/toads-hollow
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