Holland Tract facts for kids
Sheep roaming the Holland Tract in 2021.
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 Holland Tract
Location in Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta
Holland Tract
Location in California
Holland Tract
Location in the United States
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Northern California |
| Coordinates | 37°59′55″N 121°36′08″W / 37.99861°N 121.60222°W |
| Adjacent bodies of water | Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta |
| Highest elevation | 7 ft (2.1 m) |
| Administration | |
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United States
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| State |  California |
| County | Contra Costa |
The Holland Tract is a special piece of land in the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta in California. It's not quite an island in the usual sense, but a "tract" of land surrounded by water. This area is managed by a group called Reclamation District 2025.
Holland Tract is located in Contra Costa County. In 1981, the United States Geological Survey measured its elevation. They found it was about 7 ft (2.1 m) above sea level. This makes it a unique part of the delta landscape.
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Exploring Holland Tract's Geography
Holland Tract is part of the amazing Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta. This delta is where two big rivers, the Sacramento and San Joaquin, meet. They then flow into San Francisco Bay. The delta is a huge area with many islands and waterways.
How Delta Islands Are Formed
Many delta islands, including Holland Tract, were once marshlands. Over time, people built walls called levees around them. This helped to drain the water. The land inside became dry and useful for farming.
Living Below Sea Level
Even though Holland Tract is measured at 7 feet above sea level, much of the land in the delta is actually below sea level. This is because the rich peat soil has shrunk over many years. The levees are super important to keep the water out.
Farming and Agriculture on the Tract
Holland Tract is mostly used for farming. The soil in the delta is very fertile. This means it's great for growing crops. Farmers here grow many different things.
What Grows on Holland Tract?
Common crops grown in the delta include corn, alfalfa, and various vegetables. The warm California sun and rich soil help these crops grow well. Farming is a big part of the economy in this region.
Wildlife and Nature in the Delta
The Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta is home to many different animals and plants. Even though Holland Tract is farmed, it's still part of this important natural area.
Animals of the Delta
You might see many kinds of birds in the delta, like ducks, geese, and herons. Fish live in the waterways surrounding the tract. Sometimes, you might even spot river otters or beavers.
Protecting the Environment
The delta is a sensitive ecosystem. People work to balance farming needs with protecting the wildlife. This includes managing water levels and preserving natural habitats.
Protecting the Land with Levees
Levees are like big earthen walls. They are built around the edges of islands and tracts. Their main job is to keep the river water from flooding the land.
How Levees Work
Levees are carefully designed and built. They need to be strong enough to hold back water, especially during floods. They are constantly checked and repaired to keep the land safe and dry.
The Role of Reclamation Districts
Groups like Reclamation District 2025, which manages Holland Tract, are responsible for maintaining these levees. They make sure the levees are strong. This protects the farms and homes on the land.
Images for kids
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Sheep roaming the Holland Tract in 2021.
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USGS aerial imagery of Holland Tract
