Mahon Creek, San Rafael

Hidden Waters Uncovering Natural History and Cultural History through Urban Stream Restoration

Hidden Waters Project was made possible by a grant from CUEREC, California Urban Environmental and Restoration Education Center to NEER, Northbay Environmental Education and Restoration group

The NEER Partnership Sonoma State University The Bay Institute The World Education Web

San Rafael HIDDEN WATERS Restoration Project (1999-2000) *Teachers and students gather at Walker Ranch *Instruction in geography, history, culture, and biology of North Bay system of waterways and surrounding communities *Field trips to Bodega Bay and the San Rafael Canal District *Canoe trip on the San Rafael Canal *Planning and development of restoration project for San Rafael Canal and its watershed July-August

September *Meetings with teachers and students at Madrone High School and Redwood High School *Meetings with Canal District community leaders *Begin construction of the NEER Internet site *Begin field survey of the San Rafael Canal and tributaries *Meeting with local community college and high school teachers *Classroom visits to local classrooms in Marin County by restoration specialists October

November *NEER affiliates with other organizations (e.g. Legacy - The Landscape Connection) *Design of Internships and Research Projects for SSU students *Design of A Century of History: from Creek to Canal (oral history, photos, archives, maps) *SSU Biology Department & NEER form partnership (Biology 495 units earned for student research projects) *Decide on GIS mapping approach to include watershed, biological, ecological, historical, and population demographics. December

January * Meeting of principle investigators with SSU student researchers and H.S. students to survey creeks and Canal *Planning for SSU semester research projects (to be completed by May 20, 2000) *Begin videotaping for Hidden Waters of Marin County for classroom presentations February *Submission of International and Local Restoration Lesson Plan Unit *Submission of International projects for review and analysis *Cleaning and Planting Program begins

March *Submission of Canal Clean-up project to city and local officials (Mar. 1) *Testing of Environmental Education Lesson Plan *Send Preliminary Report of Activities of NEER members April *Planning for Watershed Consortium at Sonoma State University in May 2000 *Planning for Restoration and Cleanup at Pickelweed Park, San Rafael, adjacent to San Francisco Bay in June 2000

May *SSU Student Research Presentations at Association of North Bay Scientists annual meeting, Chico State University *Redwood High School Students Presentations, San Rafael *Watershed Consortium at Sonoma State University June *Community Restoration Project and Celebration at Pickelweed Park, San Rafael on June 4 . We Invited San Miguel Elementary School 2nd graders, Americorps members, The Center for Ecoliteracy, SSU students and advisors, and community members.

SSU Student Researchers walk trail to headwaters of Mahon Creek (Site 1).

Site 2: Mahon Creek in Sun Valley, San Rafael

Site 5: Mahon Creek near The Bay Institute

Nicole Karres establishing a transect for sampling Mahon Creek near the Bay Institute

Leita Allen: Field work at Mahon Creek (Site 6)

An Abundance of Exotic Plant Species along Mahon Creek

Mahon Creek is channelized under streets and buildings

Flows behind houses and buildings...

Downstream flow is both tidal-influenced, and most urbanized portion of Mahon Creek (Site 6).

Mahon Creek & adjacent wetlands ---- but is it a healthy waterway? Picturesque view of Mahon Creek & adjacent wetlands ---- but is it a healthy waterway?