Creek Week 2023

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Celebrate Creek Week, September 16-23, 2023! During Creek Week, we invite you to celebrate, nurture, and explore our local creeks in new ways. Sign-up for one or more of our in-person events or participate virtually by completing activities online. Registration for in-person events is required.

CREEK WEEK ACTIVITIES

Beginner's Nature Journaling in the Laguna

Sat., Sept. 16 | 8:00-11:00AM | Register

Guided Nature Walk at Flat Rock Park 

Sun., Sept. 17 | 10:00AM-Noon | WAITLIST

Downtown Underground Tour  

 Tues., Sept. 19, 4:00-5:00PM (WAITLIST) & 5:30-6:30PM (WAITLIST)

Thurs., Sept. 21, 4:00-5:00PM (WAITLIST) & 5:30-6:30PM (WAITLIST)

Tour de Creek Trail Bike Ride 

Fri., Sept. 22 | 5:30-7:00PM | Register

Creek to Coast Cleanup Day 

Sat., Sept.23 | 10 AM-Noon | Register

Virtual Creek Week Activities

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Beginner's Nature Journaling in the Laguna

Elevate your outdoor experiences by learning Nature Journaling with the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation. During this 3-mile hike you will learn basic techniques for sketching plants, birds, and insects in your journal, while immersing yourself in the peaceful surroundings of the Laguna de Santa Rosa. No artistic skills required, just an open mind and a love for the outdoors! Please let us know in advance if you can no longer attend so we can offer a spot to someone on the waitlist. Heavy smoke, excessive heat or heavy rain cancels. Free, but pre-registration required here.

  • Saturday, September 16, 2023
  • 8:00-11:00AM                                     
  • Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation, 900 Sanford Road
  • REGISTER
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Guided Nature Walk at Flat Rock Park

Join our naturalists for a guided, picturesque walk along the beautiful upper reaches of Santa Rosa Creek. You’ll learn about the fascinating history of the region, dive into the wonders of the plant world, look for birds and wildlife, and observe several different stages of creek restoration that are improving the creek and riparian (streamside) habitat. Footing is relatively flat but may be uneven along the way. For many people, this tour will allow discovery of a hidden jewel right in your backyard. If you already know this site, you’ll discover new facets that make it even more beautiful. Most appropriate for ages 6 and up. 

  • Sunday, September 17, 2023
  • 10:00AM-Noon                      
  • Meet at Flat Rock Park (Flat Rock Park Circle or Yulupa Circle)
  • WAITLIST (Registration Full)
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Downtown Underground Tour

Did you know there is a creek flowing beneath your feet when you’re near Santa Rosa City Hall? Take a twilight tour of the huge underground culvert and fish ladder where Santa Rosa Creek runs under Downtown Santa Rosa. This event is thrilling and fascinating in equal measures and usually fills up fast. We’ll descend to the creek bed down a slope and over large rocks and walk across the creek (the water may be several inches deep). Wear your sturdy, closed toe, waterproof shoes, no sandals. Bring your own flashlight. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Limited availability, registration required.

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

  • 4:00-5:00PM | Prince Gateway Park | WAITLIST (Registration Full)
  • 5:30-6:30PM | Prince Gateway Park | WAITLIST (Registration Full)

Thursday, September 21, 2023

  • 4:00-5:00PM | Prince Gateway Park | WAITLIST (Registration Full)
  • 5:30-6:30PM | Prince Gateway Park | WAITLIST (Registration Full)
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Tour de Creek Trail Bike Ride

Did you know that Santa Rosa hosts over 43 miles of creek trails that you can use to bike around the city while enjoying shade, wildlife, and fresh air? Sign up and join us for an evening bike ride to learn about one of the city’s best bike routes and the natural history of the creek that defines it. Starting at Prince Gateway Park, city staff will lead a guided ride beneath the arching oaks along the paved Santa Rosa Creek trail before circling back downtown where folks can enjoy their Friday night on courthouse square! All ages are welcome with groups available for all paces and ability levels. Ride distance will be 6-11 miles depending on your group’s preferences. 

Kids must be accompanied by an adult. All participants need to obey safe cycling rules and be able to ride with a group at a comfortable pace. A safe bicycle, helmet, lights, and suitable clothing are necessary.

  • Friday, September 22, 2023
  • 5:30-7:00PM                      
  • Meet at Prince Gateway Park (Santa Rosa Ave. and Sonoma Ave.)
  • REGISTER
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Creek to Coast Cleanup Day

All ages are welcome to join us for a litter-busting party on Santa Rosa Creek at the Prince Memorial Greenway, as part of the annual state-wide Coastal Cleanup Day. This restored section of creek is really a gem in the heart of downtown with an active trail system. Large trees and deep pools are home to a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial species including heron, steelhead trout, and river otters! We’ll make trash cleanup extra fun and satisfying with a competition and prizes for your finds. This is a popular event with a big positive impact. 

  • Saturday, September 23, 2023 
  • 10:00AM-Noon                    
  • Olive Park Footbridge Near 1698 Hazel St.
  • REGISTER
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Virtual Creek Week Activities

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Website_Creek Tour

In Santa Rosa there is always a creek nearby to enjoy. Let’s see what surprises our guides find as they explore a few of these creeks. Afterwards, set out on your own safari to find a creek. Creeks run through many parks. Creeks are next to schools. Creeks are crossed by streets more than 200 times. 35 miles of trails follow creeks. There are 20 footbridges over creeks. How many steps to your nearest creek?

Website _ Video IconClick here for a virtual tour of Santa Rosa's creeks!

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Birds of a Feather Flock to our Creeks Webinar

Learn about common birds found along our Santa Rosa creeks. This webinar will cover identification and natural history notes with a highlight on migration.

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A Creek Runs Through It - Santa Rosa Creek and How It's Shaped the City

The Historical Society of Santa Rosa is proud to present A Creek Runs Through It - Santa Rosa Creek and How It's Shaped the City with the following presenters: 

STEVE BRADY - Senior Environmental Specialist Santa Rosa Water - Environmental Services - Storm Water & Creeks 

JEFF ELLIOTT - journalist who turned full-time to local historical research after retiring in 2009. He has since written over 750 articles that can be read at SantaRosaHistory.com. 

NICK TIPON - Board member of Point Blue Conservation Science. BILL TURNER -Member of HSSR Board of Directors

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Make Mountains to Make Creeks

Investigate the shape of the Earth and how water flows in a watershed by making a 3-D topographic map of your very own. Let’s create a raised-relief landscape out of a piece of paper and markers. Making a map like this builds understanding of how the shape of land creates the flow of water over its surface. With a spray bottle of water, participants can complete this activity by raining down on their maps (go outdoors or place in bathtub/shower) to watch how water really flows over your land maps. PDF Instructions

Website _ Video IconClick here for step by step video instructions!

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Nature Sit Spots

Spending time quietly in nature is good for our mind and body. This activity has participants pick an outdoor place and sit quietly on the ground, rock, or log and observe nature for at least 15 minutes. (Use a pad if you wish.) Participants use the Sit Spot journal to record observations and discover connections from the experience. Sitting still in nature takes practice and is a skill, try it today! PDF Instructions

Big Kids - English Journal | Spanish Journal

Little Kids - English Journal | Spanish Journal

Website _ Video IconClick here for step by step video instructions!

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Ours to Protect Sign 

We use the iconic “Ours To Protect” image to connect with the theme of “Ours To Protect”. This activity invites participants to find the Our to Protect closest to their home and explore both physically (taking a creek walk) and mentally “What are we protecting the creeks FROM? Who and what are we protecting the creek FOR?”. Engage in the creek art project to recreate the colorful sign or create your own version. 

Personalize your own creek sign and decorate!

Website _ Video IconClick here for step by step video instructions!

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Creek Protector Activity Book

Are you interested in learning more about our local creeks and watershed? This exciting series of Creek Protector activities will walk you through fun learning opportunities while exploring local creek trails. Discover local mammals, birds, and plants all while gaining an understanding of how our storm drains and creeks are connected. Download a PDF of the book, or take your phone to your local creek and complete the mobile version of the book. Receive a prize upon completion.


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Click here to download your Creek Protector Activity Book

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Good Natured Scavenger Hunt

The Scavenger Hunt will guide your family’s outdoor adventure while observing nature in your neighborhood and/or local creek. How many of these items can you find? Whether it’s signs left by wildlife, a heart-shaped rock, or something else on the hunt, you’ll be sure to find something “new” that you haven’t seen before!

Use the Good Natured Scavenger Hunt list to check off which items you find (and leave all the nature items right where they were found for nature to keep using).

Note: There are three different versions of this hunt so you can find the one that best matches your family. LONG version has the most categories and items to find and therefore the most challenging. SHORT version has fewer categories/items to find and can be done in a shorter amount of time. SEE and CIRCLE is designed for your youngest pre/new readers with a series of pictures to help guide the hunt.

Long Scavenger Hunt - English | Spanish

Short Scavenger Hunt - English | Spanish

Circle and See Scavenger Hunt - English | Spanish


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Website_Creek Critter_Pacific Tree Frog

Pacific Tree Frog (also know as the pacific chorus frog, Pseudacris regalia)

The smallest frog is the loudest croaker!  These thumb size cuties will gather in pools after the first rains and sing loudly into the night.  Pacific tree frogs can appear bright green to brownish earth tones but they are easily identified as our only local frog species with a stripe through the eye. For more information on local critters and ways to prevent pollution in our creeks, visit: srcity.org/CreekStewardship

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What Creeks have You Explored?

100 miles of creeks flow through Santa Rosa. Look for the “Ours to Protect” creek identification signs to discover creeks throughout the city. Find the creeks in your neighborhood, 35 miles of creek trails, and more information in the Creek Trails of Santa Rosa Map and Guide.

Creek Trails of Santa Rosa Map and Guide - English | Spanish