3The Sacramento Valley is a unique and special part of California. There are quaint small towns and hardworking family farmers that grow food while providing environmental benefits. Area rice fields have an amazing abundance and diversity of wildlife. Rice fields act as surrogate wetlands, providing billions of dollars in environmental benefits. They are home to some 230 wildlife species and provide nearly 60 percent of the food for millions of ducks and geese that travel along the Pacific Flyway each winter.