Creeks and Bay
Did you ever wonder where the extra water goes during a rainstorm? Stormwater runs into San Leandro's creeks and eventually into the bay. Learn about your watershed.
WHAT IS A WATERSHED?
A watershed is the system of creeks that bring stormwater from your sidewalk to the bay. Some of San Leandro's creeks are above ground, like the San Leandro Creek by Bancroft Middle School. Other creeks are in underground culverts with stormdrain openings along our streets.
LEARN ABOUT YOUR WATERSHED
The Alameda County Flood Control District has created an interactive map of every watershed in western Alameda County. Click on your neighborhood to find your watershed and learn about walking trails and restoration efforts.
SAN LEANDRO CREEK TRAIL MASTER PLAN
In July 2014, the City of San Leandro was awarded $201,510 from the State of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) State Highway Account – Partnership Planning for Sustainable Transportation grant program. The grant allows for the development of the San Leandro Creek Trail Master Plan (a feasibility study), design concepts, and implementation strategy for segments of a six-mile multi-use trail with on-street options along San Leandro Creek through the cities of San Leandro and Oakland. Approximately 2.1 miles of the creek are located in the City of San Leandro, 2.1 miles in the City of Oakland, and 1.8 miles runs along the border of the two cities.
The San Leandro Creek Trail Master Plan Study project built on several years of partnerships and community outreach which analyzed the corridor by engaging hundreds of diverse residents in envisioning how a greenway could enhance access to recreation, schools, and transit while promoting regional sustainability. The proposed greenway and creek restoration provides opportunities for residents in adjacent neighborhoods to access green space and recreational areas while also improving water quality, increasing habitat for native species, and protecting areas of historical, cultural, and ecological significance. The start date of the Master Plan was November 2015, with a final plan completed March 2017. Extensive public outreach was conducted through the Master Plan process.
Check out the final Creek Trail Master Plan here.
TOP THREE WAYS YOU CAN HELP KEEP OUR CREEKS AND BAY CLEAN
1. Throw trash in the can
The trash you throw in the street will eventually end up on the beach or in the bay. Trash is not only ugly to look at, but it pollutes our water and can make animals sick.
2. Garden without toxic chemicals
When people use pesticides to kill the pests in their yards, they create a toxic environment that can be harmful to both humans and animals. Did you know that not all bugs are bad? Some are even beneficial to your garden. Learn more.
3. Keep chemicals, pet waste, soap, and oil away from your storm drain
After a rain storm all the water flows to the nearest creek. That means any pollutant on the street or in your yard gets carried to our water bodies and eventually the bay and ocean. Can you imagine swimming in all the stuff that’s on our streets? Please clean up after your pet and after you change your oil or wash your car.