Creek Restoration Projects

Arroyo Burro Estuary and Mesa Creek Restoration Project

The Creeks Division has completed construction of the Arroyo Burro Estuary and Mesa Creek Restoration Project. Located at the end of the Arroyo Burro Beach parking area and within the Douglas Family Preserve, the project involves restoration of coastal estuarine, riparian and coastal sage scrub habitats and will improve water quality in Mesa Creek, the estuary, and at Arroyo Burro Beach. A 300 foot concrete culvert was removed in order to “daylight” Mesa Creek which now flows through an open creek channel to the expanded Arroyo Burro estuary. The project also included fish passage enhancements to benefit the endangered Steelhead Trout, and the expansion of the estuary to benefit the Tidewater Goby. For more information on this project, click here.

Old Mission Creek Storm Water Management Project at West Figueroa Street

The Creeks Division is currently developing plans for restoration of a portion of Old Mission Creek adjacent to West Figueroa Street. The restoration site has a number of issues including creek bank erosion, poor water quality, trash and debris, and extensive invasion by non-native plants. This section of creek includes both public and private land with opportunities for native plant restoration and water quality improvements.

Old Mission Creek Restoration Project at Bohnett Park

The Creeks Division has been awarded the 2004 Park Planning Award from the California Park and Recreation Society, District VIII, for the restoration of Old Mission Creek at Bohnett Park for the planning and designing of parks that promote participation in recreation, strengthens community ties, increases safety and security, protects environmental resources, and facilitates community problem solving.  This is the third award that this project has received.

Old Mission Creek at Bohnett Park is now used as an educational site for city schools that participate in the Kids Creek Series. Students conduct creek surveys and discuss how pollution enters the creek from streets and neighborhoods.

The restoration of Old Mission Creek at Bohnett Park was the first project in a long-term effort to restore and revitalize creeks throughout the City of Santa Barbara.  The purpose was to restore and protect riparian habitat, improve water quality in Old Mission Creek, enhance open space in a densely developed neighborhood, demonstrate restoration strategies for private landowners, and foster watershed education and creek appreciation. The project consists of a series of habitat restoration and water quality improvements, and the installation of park improvements to improve access and public safety. This project received a total of $425,000 in grant funds from the California Resources Agency and California Department of Parks and Recreation.

Native Plant Nursery

A key component of restoration is the removal of non-native vegetation and replanting with native species. The Creeks Restoration/Water Quality Improvement Division established a native plant nursery. Seeds and plant cuttings are collected from local sources to be grown for specific restoration projects, and in the future, could provide interested landowners with trees and shrubs for their projects.

We welcome your comments and suggestions. Send messages and inquiries to Liz Smith