An important project to improve the nature of urban runoff in the Cordova Creek area has been overseen for the past two years by the Department of Water Resources and Department of Regional Parks. The Cordova Creek Naturalization Project is designed to restore the creek, develop recreational use, and offer a nature study area.
This unique concept has caught the eye of Sacramento Environmental Commission, which awarded the project an award for demonstrating “outstanding environmental stewardship” on April 17.
The Cordova Creek Naturalization Project gave the area a much-needed face-lift by removing an existing trapezoidal-shaped concrete channel, and replacing it with a natural winding channel that complements the current land use. It also offers a functioning, living stream that improves the environment.
This wasn’t an easy fix. Due to the size of the project, it was divided into two phases. The first phase began June 2015 with the second phase starting April 2016, and has transformed the creek into a natural riparian corridor. The new design includes reintroducing native trees, shrubs and groundcover along the stream banks, wetland areas and surrounding uplands. The Cordova Creek Naturalization Project augments 80 acres of recently restored riparian woodlands and native grasslands to the west, and the 50-acre Soil Born Farm and native plant nursery to the east. This includes a walking trail with interpretive signs to provide the public access from the Dedo Way River Access to the American River Parkway.
The Project was developed by a partner group, including Sacramento County Departments of Water Resources & Regional Parks, Water Forum, Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency, City of Rancho Cordova, Soil Born Farms and California Native Plant Society.
The public will get a chance to learn more about the project at a grand opening of the Cordova Creek Naturalization Project on May 21, 2017.