Your CreekS
El Sobrante
DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR STORM DRAINS FLOW?
El Sobrante is characterized by a semi-rural landscape that is largely defined by its main waterway, San Pablo Creek. This creek is a significant feature of the community, flowing from the hills near Orinda, through El Sobrante, and ultimately emptying into San Pablo Bay. Unlike many urban streams that have been relegated to underground culverts, a large portion of San Pablo Creek remains open and is lined with a corridor of trees, providing a crucial habitat for various plants and animals. This greenbelt offers a serene contrast to the residential and commercial development of the area, and its preservation is a key focus of local environmental groups.
The creek's importance to the region is historical as well as ecological. Before the area was developed, the San Pablo Creek watershed was a rich ecosystem that supported native wildlife and the indigenous people who lived along its banks. The creek's flows, however, were dramatically altered in 1919 with the construction of the San Pablo Dam, which created the San Pablo Reservoir. This reservoir now serves as a major source of drinking water for the East Bay. The creek and its tributaries, such as Castro, Wilkie, and Appian creeks, are not only vital for the local environment but also provide opportunities for recreation and serve as a reminder of the area's natural heritage.