By Andrea Rossi:
On August 23rd, Wendy St. John educated the Sonoma State University (SSU) Restoration Ecology class about the history of Copeland Creek. We all got clearer understanding of what the creek used to look like as well as how efforts to restore the creek continue to be made yearly. Understanding the creeks history will help us to create a restoration plan in order to improve the creeks riparian ecosystem.
Overview
Prehistorically, Coast Miwok, Wappo and Pomo people were integrating this floodplains rich properties into their lives. In the 19th century, when European settlers arrived, they encountered the problem that their land was constantly getting flooded. In order to make this a ‘livable’ landscape, they channeled the creek still providing a natural riparian landscape. This large alteration the creek has endured has not made the flooding stop. A few years ago, the SSU art buildings became flooded after a heavy rainfall. This goes to show that even a man made creek can not stop the way nature works.
Copeland Creek is not even 9 miles long. The headwaters begin on top of Sonoma Mountain at the Fairfield Osborn Preserve which is property owned by SSU. The creek then flows down through the rest of the SSU campus until it flows into the Laguna de Santa Rosa. The creek is a perennial intermittent stream meaning that there isn’t flowing water in all parts of the creek. (INSERT DRY/ WET PICS). During the rainy season, larger sediment is brought down from the headwaters providing the creek basin with constantly changing sediment sizes.
Species Identification
Even though this creek is man made, it is known for its great water quality attributes and rich riparian zones. These ideal water quality attributes have been measured through identifying the macro invertebrates in the water. These prime water quality attributes promote salmon to use this creek during their migration. Unfortunately, since it is a perennial creek salmon can not live year round or spawn in it. Salmon provide an immense amount of organic matter creating a nutrient rich wildlife corridor. Using wildlife cameras along the SSU campus portion of the creek, there has been sightings of river otters, mountain lions, deer, bobcats, and western pond turtles.
The riparian canopy consists primarily of native species such as different oak, maple, and willow species. The understory is composed of two layers, brush and grasses. Unfortunately, much of the riparian understory habitat has been taken over by invasive species (Himalayan blackberries, hemlock, fennel, and non native grasses). One of the most invasive species that is along all of Copeland creek is the Himalayan blackberry.
They provide an abundance of food and habitat for species as well as a soil stabilization. They problem that comes with the Himalayan blackberry is its ability to push out the native Californian blackberry. Majority of invasive species create an imbalanced ecosystem. Not all invasive species create problems, however, during restoration efforts most plans prefer to focus on increasing the native populations ability to thrive.
Restoration Efforts
As the years progress, the environmental issues the creek face have only increased. SSU continues to deal with the issue of flooding, especially during a heavy rainfall season. Previous restoration classes have worked on eliminating Himalayan blackberries, providing stability during the flood season, and promoting native species biodiversity. Classes have removed species, laid down cardboard, and spread out wood chips blocking off
sunlight in hopes of eliminating invasive species from re-sprouting. Also, a masticator has been brought out to a spot along Copeland Creek removing unwanted invasive foliage. Currently, this area has regrown with the unwanted species because constant restoration was not being done. Friends of Copeland Creek also help to ensure that the rich riparian zones remain healthy by hosting different cleanup and restoration days. As the Fall 2019 class begins to brainstorm restoration plans, we need to remember that restoration efforts are slow and repetitive encompassing many methods to achieve a goal.
0 Comments