Nestled in the foothills, SLAC is situated in an area that still has many of the characteristics the Spanish explorer Portola must have seen as he traveled down San Francisquito Creek to his first view of the San Francisco Bay. Meandering along the southern perimeter of SLAC (see map) on its way to the Bay, the Creek is one of the few remaining habitats for steelhead fish in the Bay Area, and many consider it to be a regional treasure.

The San Francisquito Creek Watershed Council coordinates stewardship of the Creek and its surrounding land. October marks the tenth anniversary of the Council.

Why the Council Exists

The San Francisquito Watershed encompasses an area of approximately 45 square miles, from the Santa Cruz Mountains to San Francisco Bay. The San Francisquito Creek starts at Searsville Dam and flows through multiple jurisdictions, separating two counties. It is regulated by multiple local, state and federal agencies. Because of the many stakeholders with various viewpoints, the Creek Watershed Council was created to better coordinate protection of the Creek and its watershed.

The Council’s Mission

The Council works to preserve and enhance the Creek as a community resource. Representatives from public agencies, local governments, community organizations and individual citizens make up the Steering Committee. They come together on a voluntary basis to discuss creek-related concerns and to collaborate on creek and watershed stewardship projects.

The Council’s primary goals are to improve water quality, to preserve and restore wildlife habitat, and to reduce flood dangers in the San Francisquito Watershed. The Council sponsors or coordinates on-the-ground restoration projects, water quality monitoring and visual surveys, watershed education, and policy support for local governments.

The Council’s tenth year has been a busy one! Staff, members and volunteers continue to engage the community through outreach and education efforts, as well as focusing media attention on creek issues and restoring the watershed.