Copeland Creek: Water’s Role in Nature

The Creek Bed

Here we can observe an unmanaged creek bed in all its splendor. The land here is replete with large rocks, arboreal break off, and invasive blackberries that thrive in the riparian pathway. The blackberry vines serve a major purpose: helping stabilize the underlying soil. Sonoma County is home to two different blackberry species: the native California blackberry and the invasive Himalayan blackberry. The California blackberry has three-lobed leaf clusters and fairly gentle thorns which produce small berries; while the Himalayan species has sharp thorns, five leaf clusters and generally larger fruit. Fighting the Himalayan blackberries, which overrun quickly, has been difficult for landowners and ecologists alike. During the rainy season, the ground cover in the creek helps to divert the high water volume coming directly from the dredged area to the due north of this location.

During the dry season much of the creek is hikeable but here the thriving of plant life make walking impassable. Stopping to observe this location, can you see any interplay between the creek and animal life? The vines provide homes for smaller animals and insects. The berries and insects provide foraging for the birds roosting in the coast live oaks above.

The Role of the Pump Station

As a seasonal waterway, Copeland Creek does not feature a steady flow up and down the breadth of its run from Fairfield Osborn Preserve to Laguna de Santa Rosa. As such, the portion that runs from Snyder Lane to the Laguna is encouraged and strengthened in part by the pump station at this location. Inefficiency in both source and gravity flow requires a little man-made intervention to keep Copeland Creek flowing. Here the pump station can help with an inflow of water during the dry season.

But the pump station serves an even more important purpose during the rainy season, when it can divert water away to prevent flooding. The pump station is both an efficient and cost-effective solution for moving water in this challenging zone between housing and schools.

Concrete & Asphalt

Here we can observe the concrete and asphalt construction of the pathway: an important walking and biking corridor along Copeland Creek. Concrete and asphalt are both exudative, meaning they have low capacity to absorb water. As such, during the rainy season, the runoff will largely slope slowly down to the creek. That produces increased water catchment.

But throughout the year, the concrete and asphalt walkway carries hundreds of walkers and bikers who can take in the beauty of the creekside views. In the balance between land maintenance and good stewardship of the land, we find the ways to integrate the two worlds of nature and utility.

The Pond

Looking toward the pond, you will see a manufactured water catchment. Originally built for potential fire suppression purposes, the pond is a great place for observing wildlife. During the rainy season, pooling of water in these fields is common. Seasonally, this location would fill with water only to slowly drain out. However, for utility and aesthetic reasons, this area was eventually lined and ringed with a cement wall to provide a home for native fauna. Ducks and turtles are now tenants to this spot year round.

The pond also encourages time for observation and reflection. Are we pooling up things in our life only to let them slowly drain away? Or can we make a catchment so that something more beautiful remains?

Future Action

Restoration ecology is the science of repairing and assisting damaged, degraded, or destroyed ecosystems. In our high-tech, engine-driven, convenience-first 21st century, restorative ecological practices are necessary to assure that the relationship between humanity and nature is healthy.

Here we can observe Sonoma State University’s Kenneth Stocking Native Plant and Butterfly Garden. This project highlights a return to a more thoughtful and engaged connection with the land. Endemic species found here include native oaks, California yarrow, Baker’s manzanita, and dozens of others. 

Take a moment to observe the rich floral life thriving here. Apps like iNaturalist can help identify plants that you may be noticing for the first time. Learn more about the Native Plant & Butterfly Garden.

Redwoods

As butterflies flit by, you can observe the redwoods present in this spot. Redwoods are essential to not just the soil health of this region but provide an important and unspoken absorptive role in moisture maintenance. We can especially observe that relationship during early morning fog. Redwoods and fog are the peanut butter and jelly of Sonoma County natural pairings. Redwoods can obtain up to 40% of their water from fog alone! Water particulates condense on redwood leaves and bark dripping down to the earth below, enriching and moisturizing the soil.

The majesty of the massive redwoods can overshadow how impressive the trees are at creating their own unique microclimates. Finally, during foggy times, the redwoods are bathed in a mystical beauty, making them even more beautiful. Take time to touch the redwoods and feel how the unique craggy bark allows space for increased absorption of moisture, including that clinging fog.