Restoration and Habitat Enhancement Projects

Putah Creek Council engages our community with bio-regional restoration and habitat enhancement projects through hands-on volunteer stewardship work. Sometimes we work on our own projects, sometimes we bring community volunteers to other organization's projects. We also try to keep the community informed of what projects are going on along Putah Creek, even those in which we are not involved. 

The list below is not exhaustive, but rather seeks to highlight past achievements, and give an overview of what we are doing. 

CURRENT PROJECTS ALONG and NEAR PUTAH CREEK

Putah Creek River Parkway, Winters

A project funded by CA Natural Resources Association, River Parkways Program. This project narrowed the active flow channel of Putah Ceek to enhance water quality and habitat for humans and wildlife. Project timeline: August 2011-September 2013. 

Project lead: Lower Putah Creek Coordinating Committee

Off Highway Vehicle Habitat Restoration

A project funded by CA State Park's "Off Highway Vehicle" restoration program. This project aims to restore and enhance Putah Creek riparian habitats damaged by off-road vehicle recreation. Project timeline: October 2010-September 2013. 

Project co-leads: Putah Creek Council, Lower Putah Creek Coordinating Committee

 

PAST PROJECTS ALONG PUTAH CREEK

Winters Area Habitat Enhancement Project

The 'Winters Area Projects' were designed to increase habitat along Putah and Dry creek, and decrease illegal trash dumping along Putah Creek Rd. Timeline: 2008-2010

Project co-leads: Lower Putah Creek Coordinating Committee, Audubon Landowner Stewardship Program, Solano Resource Conservation District (with help from Putah Creek Council volunteers)

Winters Percolation Dam Removal:

The Winters Percolation Dam was removed in the summer of 2009 to allow for enhanced fish passage, make the creek safer, and allow for further habitat enhancement. The project was funded by California Natural Resources Agency. Project timeline: 2009

Project lead: Lower Putah Creek Coordinating Committee

 

Adopt A Flat: 2006-2007

Volunteers seeded and grew native grasses at home, then convened at UC Davis to plant them in restoration projects. Project timeline: Fall 2006-Winter 2007

Project lead: Putah Creek Council

 

Adopt A Flat: 2004-2005

Volunteers seeded and grew native grasses at home, then convened at UC Davis to plant them in restoration projects. Project timeline: Fall 2006-Winter 2007

Project lead: Putah Creek Council

 

Valley Oak Growing, Planting, Watering

Volunteers watered Putah Creek Council-volunteer-planted oaks on the UC Davis campus through scorching summers. Project timeline: 2003-2005

Project co-leads: Putah Creek Council, UC Davis Riparian Reserve

 

UC Davis Riparian Reserve Habitat Enhancement

Volunteers planted native plants along the Putah Creek riparian area to enhance habitat at the UC David Riparian Reserve. Project Timeline: Fall 2003

Project co-leads: Putah Creek Council, UC Davis Riparian Reserve

 

Dry Creek Restoration and Erosion Prevention

Volunteers planted native grasses and placed jute mesh to prevent erosion and mass wasting along Dry Creek in Winters. Project timeline: Fall 2003

Project lead: Lower Putah Creek Coordinating Committee

 

Pleasants Creek Restoration and Erosion Prevention

Volunteers planted native willow and grass, and learned about bio-engneering.  Project timeline: Fall 2002

Project lead: Lower Putah Creek Coordinating Committee