One of the South Coast’s most urban creeks, Mission Creek has the highest bacteria reading of any of the creeks in City limits and is considered a restoration priority by several regional initiatives.

The creek collects a large amount of urban runoff from storm drains, which it then carries very quickly to the ocean through channelized corridors. The lack of wetlands and riparian buffers mean that there are no “biofilters” to absorb pollution. When the creek is flowing, it empties out at East Beach — a popular family swimming area that is frequently posted with warnings.

With staff support from CEC, a group of residential and institutional landowners, community groups and local agencies are working together to protect and enhance this watershed. The Mission Creek Restoration Partnership is initially focusing its efforts on the middle and upper portions of Mission Creek and its tributaries, Rattlesnake and Las Canoas Creeks.

As part of this work, CEC is working with the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History on a demonstration project to restore streambanks and riparian woodlands, rehabilitate several bioswales, and replace paved surfaces near the creek. In addition, interpretive trails and exhibits will be installed to explain the value of the restoration work, creek stewardship, and pollution prevention.

For more information about this project, call us at (805) 963-0583, ext. 111 or email us.