Community Creek Stewardship Projects

The Creeks Division has identified a number of sites along local creeks that provide opportunities for small community creek clean-up and restoration projects. 

Volunteer opportunities at these stewardship sites consist of trash removal, non-native plant removal and planting of native plants and trees. After the initial restoration efforts have been completed, continued maintenance of the site is necessary and consists of watering new plants, weeding invasive non-native plants, mulching, and trash removal.

Sycamore Creek at Cacique Street
The first Community Creek Stewardship project was located on Sycamore Creek at Cacique Street. Thanks to funding from Santa Barbara Beautiful, native plants were purchased, and during two community work days in 2004, the sites were cleaned up and planted with native plants. Additional funding from Santa Barbara Beautiful provided more plants for the summer of 2005.

The Creeks Division has worked with various groups to continue clean-up and planting efforts at the site, including local elementary school students through the MERITO program, and the Looking Good Santa Barbara annual community clean-up.

Mission Creek at Vernon Road
Residents and staff agreed that the first Community Creek Stewardship Project along Mission Creek should be an effort to clean-up the creek corridor along Vernon Road. 

Non-native vegetation was trimmed and removed.  Overgrown vegetation was cleared and the creek bank was replanted, followed by a neighborhood celebration in 2005.

San Roque Creek at Stevens Park
In 2006, the Creeks Division teamed up with the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and Santa Barbara Beautiful to develop and implement a Community Creek Stewardship Project and native plant demonstration garden on San Roque Creek at Stevens Park.

Over a series of community planting days, more than 75 neighbors, volunteers and students planted over 400 native plants.

View the planting lists for this site:
California Natives List and Creekside Natives List

Sycamore Creek at Liberty Street
To expand Community Creek Stewardship efforts along Sycamore Creek, the Creeks Division sponsored creek clean ups and planting days near Liberty Street in 2004 and 2005.

Volunteers removed trash and exotic weeds and planted a variety of native plants and trees. As part of an after-school program, Franklin Elementary School students made weekly trips to the creek to water and care for the plants.

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