Your CreekS
San Pablo Dam road
DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR STORM DRAINS FLOW?
The primary waterway in this area is San Pablo Creek, one of the largest and most diverse watersheds in the East Bay. The creek originates from tributaries near Orinda and flows northwest, paralleling a significant portion of San Pablo Dam Road before entering the San Pablo Reservoir. The reservoir, created in 1919 by damming the creek, provides a new ecosystem. Downstream from the dam, the creek continues its journey through El Sobrante and the City of San Pablo, serving as a "ribbon of green wilderness" that provides crucial habitat for a variety of fish, birds, and other wildlife. Some of its notable tributaries include Lauterwasser Creek and Bear Creek, the latter of which was dammed to form Briones Reservoir.
San Pablo Creek and its surrounding lands are rich in history and have been the focus of numerous environmental initiatives. Before the dams were built, the creek had strong runs of salmon and steelhead trout, and the area was home to native Ohlone people. Today, organizations like the San Pablo Watershed Neighbors Education and Resources Society work to protect and restore the creek. Projects have focused on habitat restoration, community cleanups, and educating residents about the importance of the watershed. Despite the significant changes from urbanization and damming, the creek's corridor remains a vital natural asset that provides flood control, improves water quality, and offers opportunities for recreation and environmental education.