“We have the tremendous fortune of living along a network of creeks and waterways, rich with plant and animal life and cultural history. No matter where you live in Santa Rosa, creeks flow nearby.” -Sharon Wright, former Mayor of Santa Rosa.

Our Local Creeks

Nearly ninety miles of creeks flow through Santa Rosa. Our creeks are important for many reasons: cultural resources, fish and wildlife habitat, drainage and flood control, improved water quality, and recreational and educational opportunities. Some of our creeks are healthy, but others need enhancement or even restoration. All of our creeks need protection from harmful pollution and there are several ways that citizens can help and become more involved in caring for local creeks. Students at several local high schools monitor the health of our creeks.

Two creek restoration projects have been completed to date, one along Brush Creek and the other along Santa Rosa Creek in downtown Santa Rosa. Detailed concept plans have been developed for reaches of other creeks. These are all included within the Citywide Creek Master Plan. The Master Plan documents existing and proposed conditions for all of the creeks in Santa Rosa. The implementation of the Citywide Creek Master Plan is overseen by the Santa Rosa Waterways Advisory Committee. The Santa Rosa Waterways Advisory Committee is an advisory task force to the City Council, Planning Commission, and other City decision-making bodies on creek issues.