Flame skimmer dragonfly

Mallard Willow

CREEK RESTORATION CREEK AND RIPARIAN HABITAT

Keeping Santa Rosa’s Creeks Healthy During the 1960s and 70s, in order to alleviate historic flooding problems, Creeks and riparian (streamside) habitats are home to a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial species. Creeks Welcome to the many of Santa Rosa’s creeks were channelized for control. Vegetation also serve as wildlife corridors that allow movement between areas of usable habitat. As human communities We are all connected to a nearby creek by the inlets, pipes, and ditches of the storm drain system, meaning grow, so does the demand for natural resources (minerals, soil, water, land for housing) on which plants and Creek Trails of Santa Rosa that anything we spill or drop on the street can wind up in our creeks. Santa Rosa’s creeks bring many was removed, and creeks were straightened and reshaped into steep sided, flat-bottomed channels, often lined with rock. The resulting reduction of animals also depend. All local creeks could benefit from protection and restoration: see if you can spot some of benefits to our neighborhoods, from wildlife habitat to recreation. Keeping them clean and safe requires instream habitat, lack of streamside vegetation, and higher summertime water these plants and animals that depend on healthy creeks. Where are many miles of creeks that flow through everyone’s help. Healthy creeks start at home, at work, and on our routes of travel. temperatures adversely affected native fish and wildlife. Santa Rosa which can be enjoyed year round. RIPARIAN PLANTS MAINTAINING A HEALTHY WATERSHED Restoration efforts began in the late 1990s to return our creeks to a more Whether roaring along in a whipping winter wind or natural state, including the creation of pools (lowering water temperature), Big Leaf Maple () Willow (Salix sp.) trickling over rocks in the sultry summer shade, our A watershed is an area of land that drains to a common body of water such as a creek, river, lake, or riffles with fast moving water (raising oxygen levels and creating habitat for This native tree provides shelter, food, and shade for Fast-growing red, yellow, arroyo, and sandbar willows aquatic insects), and shelter for fish (such as undercut banks, boulders, and insects and other animals. Living up to their name, most provide shade and habitat for creeks. ever-changing creeks provide a refreshing touch of ocean. A healthy watershed provides clean water for people, plants, and wildlife. leaves are 12 inches wide, but exceptionally large leaves downed logs). Restoration projects also remove barriers to fish migration and Blackberry (Rubus ursinus) are 24 inches across! nature in the urban environment. This Creek Trails FLOOD PREVENTION & HABITAT MANAGEMENT replant the creek corridor with native trees and shrubs. The fruits of this native vine-like shrub provide food for White Alder (Alnus rhombifolia) birds and mammals in the summer. Map and Guide intends to set you on the path to A native tree usually growing right at the water’s edge The Sonoma County Water Agency’s access roads This goal is achieved by selectively thinning brush Poison Oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum)  learn more about our creeks and how you can help FAVORITE BIKE, RUNNING & WALKING TRAILST where its roots armor and stabilize the streambank while serve as the core of Santa Rosa’s creek trail system. and multi-trunk trees on banks and planting This native deciduous plant can take the shape of also providing shelter for fish and insects. take care of them. Follow your curiosity and discover Every year, the Water Agency’s Stream Maintenance single-trunk, canopy-forming trees. Over time, a low-lying ground cover, a trailing vine, or a shrub. Please keep dogs on leash when using the creek trails. Remember to pick up after your pet—the Program crews (scwa.ca.gov/flood-protection) mature riparian canopy develops, reducing the level Fremont Cottonwood (Populus fremontii) WARNING: The oil on the leaves and stems of poison what makes using the Creek Trails Map and Guide so remove sediment and vegetation in creeks of maintenance required. trails are shared by many people and animals in the community. One of the largest native trees found along creeks, oak can cause itchy rashes. Wash hands and clothing whose shade helps keep creeks cool. In the spring, seeds much fun! throughout Santa Rosa. This work is designed to after coming in contact. Pick up the leaves! Flooding can occur when storm Prince Memorial Greenway: Murals, sculptures Piner and Paulin Creek Trails: The quiet gravelled look like lightweight cotton balls as they are carried off maximize habitat for fish and wildlife while reducing Invasive plant species “escape” from our yards drain inlets get plugged. Keep leaves and yard debris and colorful benches enliven the Prince Memorial pathways along Piner and Paulin Creeks offer a by the wind. The creeks and waterways throughout Santa Rosa and crowd out native California plants. Particularly the risk of during the rainy season. out of street gutters: either compost plant material Greenway and its network of pathways and variety of distances for the walker looking for a shady Sedge (Carex sp.) troublesome are giant reed (Arundo donax), English ivy provide us with many benefits we often take for One of the Water Agency’s overarching goals is to or put it in the green waste cans. City streets are footbridges that link businesses and shopping in outing on a hot summer day or curious to observe the Over 100 different species of sedges grow in California, (Hedera helix), and privet (Lingustrum sp.). establish a riparian (streamside) canopy—mature swept regularly to help prevent blockages and keep Downtown with Railroad Square. Restoration efforts roiling mix of waters where the creeks meet following each with varying colors, shapes, flowers, and seeds. granted. Flood control, wildlife habitat, scenic began in 2000 to replace the concrete channel with a a winter storm. This is a good area for observing birds. trees along a creek, with branches stretching over pollutants out of stormdrains. You can find out what beauty, trails for recreation, alternate routes to the water. The canopy helps keep the water cool and day of the month your street is swept by visiting more natural creek that could support vegetation and Kawana Springs Creek Trail: (Also known as Upper BIRDS ALONG THE CREEKS shades out less desirable plant species. srcity.org/publicworks wildlife. For more information, visit: srcity.org/PMG Colgan Creek Trail.) Neighbors near Petaluma Hill work or shopping, wildlife corridors, educational : Near the railroad tracks on the Road enjoy the easy access this trail provides to Grabbers or stabbers? The long bills of herons and Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) opportunities, and the bit of peacefulness in our busy Prince Memorial Greenway, this Sonoma County shopping on Santa Rosa Avenue. A trail is proposed egrets can spear prey, however are more commonly With distinct black legs and bright yellow feet, ONLY RAIN SHOULD GO DOWN THE STORM DRAIN! Regional Parks trail branches off to Sebastopol. From to follow the creek eastward to Taylor Mountain used likechopsticks to deftly snatch a meal. they can be spotted hunting for fish and lives, are all gifts that the “natural infrastructure” of crustaceans in the creeks. Snowy egrets grow there, the West County Trail continues to Forestville. Regional Park. Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) creeks bring to Santa Rosa and the surrounding area. Storm water is rainwater that flows from our streets, Santa Rosa’s storm drain long, white plumes in the spring to attract For more information, visit: parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov Colgan Creek Trail: In southwest Santa Rosa, the North America’s largest heron (3–4.5 feet tall with a roofs, parking lots, yards, and driveways into roadside system includes nearly their mates. Colgan Creek Trail is paved for nearly 1.5 miles from 6.5 foot wingspan) can be identified by their blue-gray Keeping water clean and creeks welcoming and safe ditches, street gutters, and then into the pipes of the 100 miles of creeks, 320 Santa Rosa Creek Greenway Trail: West of the Joe Rodota Trail bridge, the Prince Greenway continues Stony Point Road to Bellevue Avenue near Elsie Allen feathers and wide black stripe over the eye. Great blue Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) storm drain system. miles of underground herons either slowly stalk prey in shallow water or stand is a responsibility we all share. We can all do small downstream as the Santa Rosa Creek Trail. A paved High School. The trail continues upstream through the Approximately the size of a ping-pong ball, with long pipes, and more than still and wait for fish to come within range of their long thin beaks to collect nectar from flowers, males have Storm water is not cleaned or treated—it flows bicycle path on the north side continues six miles Lower Colgan Creek Restoration. things in our daily lives to protect our creeks. Taking 1,500 outfalls into necks and bills. iridescent emerald backs and wings, grey chests, and through the storm drain system straight into our west to Willowside Road. Runners and walkers often creeks. Many additional Roseland Creek Trail: Extending both upstream and rose-pink heads and throats. Females have green heads the time to clear a fallen branch off the trail, reporting waterways. Any pollutants that storm water picks up prefer the less-traveled gravel trail on the creek’s Black-Crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) miles of private storm drain pipes connect to the downstream from Stony Point Road, the Roseland and backs and grey chests. Be Our Eyes and Ears are washed directly into our creeks and eventually These medium-sized herons have a black “crown” a problem, volunteering for a creek cleanup, or simply City’s storm drain system. south bank. Creek Trail is partially paved. In both directions, these to the Russian River and Pacific Ocean. Common on their head, light grey bodies, black backs, Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans) We need you to be our “eyes and ears” to report dumping, creek quiet trails offer expansive views westward across the nodding a bright smile to a fellow trail user, can make storm water pollutants include cigarette butts, litter, Storm water pollution is a challenging College, Piner and Peterson Trails: Unpaved gravel short yellow legs, and red eyes. They may be Almost always found near water, black phoebes sit on pollution, and any spills into the storm drain system. A spill can be and of the mountains to the oil and grease from cars, paint, fertilizers, pesticides, problem with one primary source—people. It is trails along College, Piner and Peterson Creeks spotted roosting in trees during the daytime. When low perches and make short flights to catch insects. You our journeys along the creeks more rewarding. paint, soapy water, oil, or anything else entering the storm drain east. lawn clippings and leaves, pet waste, soapy water, caused by our daily activities everywhere. Increasing join the Santa Rosa Greenway as the creek flows hunting in the evening and at night, they stand still at the can identify them by their black heads, breasts, backs, system other than rain water! sediment, and construction materials. our awareness of the connection made by the storm westward. Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail: Visitors can discover the water’s edge and wait to ambush small fish, crustaceans, and wings, with contrasting white bellies. The creeks are ours to enjoy. Help take care of frogs, and aquatic insects. REPORT SPILLS: drain system to our creeks is essential to reducing Brush Creek Trail: North of Highway 12, an unpaved biologically diverse landscape of Sonoma County’s Belted Kingfisher(Megaceryle alcyon) them. We want to hear your good suggestions, storm water pollution. trail follows the east bank of Brush Creek, connecting largest freshwater wetland. Internationally recognized Green Heron (Butorides virescens) Identified by dark blue backs and wings, blue crests on HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 911 to Austin and Ducker Creek trails. On the west bank, for its ecological importance, the Laguna’s marshes, Identified by their dark green wings, chestnut colored their heads, white necks, blue breast bands, and white your questions and comments, your insights and the paved trail runs 1.5 miles along Brush Creek from vernal pools, riparian woodland, and valley oak bodies, dark heads, and bright orange legs, these small bellies, belted kingfishers hover over or perch close to in Santa Rosa (business hours) 707-543-3800 REMINDER: PREVENTING POLLUTION IS MORE COST EFFECTIVE THAN CLEANING UP! observations. And, of course, a bit of your time is Montecito Boulevard to the with Santa savannah are rich habitat for wildlife and plants. herons hunt patiently at the water’s edge, and may lure water before plunging in headfirst after fish, amphibians, Rosa Creek at Flat Rock Neighborhood Park. From The 1.8 mile multi-use trail is open to hikers and fish by using twigs or insects dropped in the water as small crustaceans, insects, and reptiles. always appreciated. in Santa Rosa (after hours) 707-543-3805 HELP PREVENT STORM WATER POLLUTION bait. the Flat Rock footbridge, a paved pathway heads east equestrians, with a 0.6 mile pedestrian-only (no dogs, Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) in Sonoma County (24 hrs) 707-576-1365 along Santa Rosa Creek to Mission Boulevard and on- please!) loop towards the Laguna. Great Egret (Ardea alba) The most common duck species in Santa Rosa, males Everyone can do a few simple things to help • Fix leaky cars. Capture oil drips on Standing just over 3 feet tall with white bodies and stand out with their green heads and white neck street connections to Howarth Park. SMART Multi-Use Pathway: When completed, this REPORT CREEK ISSUES: protect creeks and the animals that live cardboard. Clean up fluid leaks and spills black legs, great egrets wade in shallow water to hunt bands, while females blend into their surroundings with One half mile east of Mission Boulevard the trail ends path will serve as a major off-street north-south route, in them by taking care of their home and with kitty litter or other absorbent material, fish, frogs, and other small aquatic animals. Typically, speckled brown feathers. Report creek trail problems and trash: neighborhood and reporting pollution when sweep it up, and throw it into the trash. at Trailhead Park. West of the Flat Rock footbridge, with connections to other popular trails and bikeways. they stand still waiting for unsuspecting prey to pass by Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) they see it. Visit srcity.org/pollutionprevention the paved trail continues for a quarter mile before before striking with a jab of their long, s-shaped neck • Smartphone: Download MySantaRosa, a free • Clean up after your pet. Whether you’re on In winter these ducks migrate south to Santa Rosa. Males becoming a dirt path that leads to Farmers Lane. and sharp yellow bill. app for Apple and Android to find out how you can make a difference. a walk or in your own backyard—scoop the have white bodies, iridescent-green heads, black backs, • Online: Visit srcity.org/mysantarosa and enter a • Keep streets clean. Never sweep or wash debris poop! Then, toss the bags into the trash. Austin and Ducker Creek Trails: Water Agency access and red beaks. Females have rusty cinnamon heads and request for Creeks from your yard into the street or storm drain. roads follow portions of these quiet creeks, connecting grey bodies with a white chests. • Create a rain garden. Slow it. Spread it. Sink it. neighbors to parks, schools, and shopping centers. Do You • Call: 707-543-3845 or email: [email protected] • Check the forecast. Don’t apply chemicals to Save it. Direct runoff from your roof to landscaped FISH AND OTHER ANIMALS your yard when rain is in the forecast. Plan to areas where it can sink into the ground. Know the use organic fertilizers and less-toxic pesticides Steelhead/ (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) Thank you for helping us • Volunteer. Join a creek cleanup or restoration As juveniles, steelhead trout leave the freshwater stream Known also as crawdads or crawfish, these and herbicides; be sure to check the labels. ART ALONG THE CREEKS keep Santa Rosa creeks project The Creek Stewardship Program and where they are born and migrate to the ocean. As crustacean look like tiny lobsters. They feed on Name of clean and healthy. • Prevent spills. Store chemicals and other Laguna Keepers are great places to start. High school students mentored by professional adults, steelhead return to the same river or creek to aquatic plants and insects in the creek while potential pollutants out of the weather. spawn. Rainbow trout are the same species, but spend breathing through gill-like structures at the base of • Get out and enjoy your creeks. Explore the many artists with the non-profit ArtStart program created Your Creek? all their life in fresh water. Steelhead trout are listed as a their legs. • Take your car to a car wash, or wash it on creek trails in Santa Rosa. One of the best ways to the murals, mosaics, and benches on the Prince threatened species in the Russian River watershed. gravel or grass where the runoff can soak help is to be the eyes, ears, and voice of the creek. Memorial Greenway. Sculptures by renowned and Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) into the ground. Do not let soapy water Let us know what you see happening out there! burgeoning artists alike form part of the self-guided Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) As semi-aquatic, 1–2 foot long rodents, muskrats live in Look for the “Ours to Protect”signs flow into the streets or storm drains. Civic Artwalk tour along the Greenway. The largest salmon species (also known as king burrows dug into streambanks. Their name is salmon) is listed as a threatened species in our from the musky odor they use to mark their in your neighborhood to identify the For more information, visit: srcity.org/arts watershed. They are born in fresh water, live in the territory. They can hold their breath name of your creek. Creek Stewardship Program CREEK STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM ocean until they are adults, and return to the stream underwater for 15 minutes. Webbed 69 Stony Circle BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, AND PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS where they were born to spawn. Unlike steelhead, back feet help them swim and they Santa Rosa, CA 95401 Chinook spawn only once and then die. can close their ears to keep water out. email: [email protected] The Creek Stewardship Program is a partnership of citizens, the City of Santa Rosa BE SAFE WHILE RIDING THE CREEK TRAILS 707-543-3845 Sacramento Sucker (Catostomus occidentalis) Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata) and the Sonoma County Water Agency. Anyone who lives, travels, or recreates Deriving their name from their downward pointing The only native freshwater turtle in California likes to along Santa Rosa’s creeks can volunteer to help keep our creeks clean and safe. Creek trails offer opportunities for fun and recreation. Bicyclists should slow down and be prepared to stop mouths that suck up algae and decaying organic matter bask on rocks and logs in the morning sun. Find out more at: srcity.org/creekstewardship To make the experience enjoyable and safe, here when others are on the trail. Kids and pets can react from the bottom of a stream, young Sacramento suckers To become a Creek Steward, contact [email protected] or call 707-543-3845 Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) are a few guidelines for sharing the trails with unpredictably, and pedestrians may be wrapped live in warm, protected . As adults they migrate Identified by contrasting black/brown and white/light to larger rivers or lakes. The Creek Stewards, besides having fun: Upcoming Creek Events fellow bicyclists, joggers, dog walkers, strollers, and up in a conversation and get startled if a bicyclist yellow stripe, this harmless snake’s diet consists of small everyone else. approaches at a fast pace. Clear Lake–Russian River Roach mammals, reptiles and their eggs, amphibians, birds and

• Adopt and care for a specific reach of creek near • Check the Events Calendar at

(Hesperoleucus symmetricus) their eggs, and large insects. srcity.org/stormwaterLID For more information, see: see: information, more For their neighborhood, school, or business. srcity.org/stormwaterandcreeks • TRAVEL ON THE RIGHT – PASS ON THE LEFT. • For your safety, wear a helmet.

Walk or ride on the right side of the path. Slow Head injuries due to falling off a Unlike many fish species, these 4 inch long gray-blue North American (Procyon lotor) Healthy Watersheds soak into the ground. the into soak • Receive information on the conditions and goals • Join us on the First Saturday of each month to down when passing another trail user, move to the bike are the highest reported injury and silvery fish can survive in very warm water, even up Eating crayfish, frogs, mollusks and other creatures living

for Santa Rosa’s creeks and provide suggestions clean up the Prince Memorial Greenway, meeting to 90°F. They feed on algae and aquatic insects. features that filter storm water by allowing it to to it allowing by water storm filter that features left side of the trail and pass at a safe speed. Use for bicyclists. Protect yourself with a in the creek, racoons also forage for acorns and fruit.

for the enhancement of the creeks. at 10 a.m. in Olive Park. Begin at Home erosion. LID emphasizes small scale landscape landscape scale small emphasizes LID erosion. a bike bell or call out “on your left,” to let others helmet. Three-Spine Stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis)

know that you are approaching and intend to pass. Growing to about 2 inches, they are named for the three site runoff, avoiding downstream flooding and and flooding downstream avoiding runoff, site • Alert the Program Coordinator, appropriate City • Sign up for email updates on Santa Rosa’s creeks • Be visible. Use lights and reflectors on Using their webbed feet and strong tails to swim, river

department, or responsible agency to problems. srcity.org/creekstewardship sharp spines on their backs. During mating otters catch fish, amphibians, turtles, and crayfish in to minimize storm water pollution and manage manage and pollution water storm minimize to • Be alert and aware of your surroundings. That your bike. When crossing a street, use the Protect our watershed

season, males develop a bright red the creeks. Counting their tail, adult males can (LID) standards for new development in order order in development new for standards (LID) includes being able to hear what is happening on trail underpasses or a nearby crosswalk. throat and belly. Some sticklebacks from your own backyard

the trail. If you are listening to music during your measure up to four feet long. Santa Rosa has adopted Low Impact Development Development Impact Low adopted has Rosa Santa Find more safety tips and information at spend their entire life in fresh water, with the Russian River Stay updated on events, news, walk or ride, please take one earbud out so that you Need Community srcity.org/streetsmarts. while others migrate to the ocean. Service Hours? and photos. can hear when cyclists or joggers are signaling that Friendly Landscape Pacific Lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus) they are passing. Creek cleanups are great Follow Santa Rosa Water Adults are parasitic fish whose bodies look like small Guidelines. For easy tips service projects for students! on Facebook & Twitter eels. Larvae live as filter feeders burrowed in the muddy and more, visit: stream bottom for 4-7 years. When they reach about

6 inches long, they metamorphose into juveniles with rrwatershed.org Green heron Green round, sucker-like mouths and sharp teeth. Swimming to the ocean, they feed on the blood of other fish. After 1-3 years, adults return to fresh water to spawn.

Exotic fish species that live in the creeks include: River otter Clean Up bluegill, bullhead, sunfish, carp, largemouth bass, and catfish. After Your Pet

Floating pennywort srcity.org/CCMP

For more information, see: see: information, more For Dogs produce over 10

trail system. trail tons of waste every day in projects, and improvements to the creekside creekside the to improvements and projects, Santa Rosa. Help prevent

“blueprint” for habitat preservation, restoration restoration preservation, habitat for “blueprint” Macroinvertebrates this source of pollution of creeks within the City and provides the the provides and City the within creeks of Clear Lake - Russian River roach Numerous species of small organisms without

Three-spine stickleback by always picking up Creek Master Plan covers more than 100 miles miles 100 than more covers Plan Master Creek vertebrae live in the creeks and form the base of

Western pond turtle  Citywide The creeks. local our enhancing  Steelhead trout the food chain. They eat algae and leaf litter, and your pet waste, whether

are an important food source for fish and other Santa Rosa is committed to protecting and and protecting to committed is Rosa Santa walking along creeks or in

wildlife. A reliable indicator of water quality,

some can survive in poor conditions while others your backyard. Protecting Our Future Our Protecting Discover more about creeks and storm water quality at: 

(like the mayfly nymph) need clear, cool, well- Toss it in the trash!

srcity.org/creektrails oxygenated water. Mayfly nymph The Health of Our Creeks— Our of Health The