The links below provide background information on projects and activities VFWC partners participate in.
Restoration (Invasive Plant Removal, Erosion Control, Re-vegetation and In-Stream Habitat)
Restoration projects come in many forms. They many be invasive plant removal, erosion control, re-vegetation and in-stream habitat, all of which contribute to improved water quality and fish and other wildlife habitat.
Adopting a creek section involves regularly performing acts of stewardship along a specified reach or portion of the creek. Several local governments and non-profits have developed and manage Adopt-A-Creek Programs.
Trash and Storm Water Pollution Prevention
In 2015 the State Water Board adopted an Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for Ocean Waters of California (Ocean Plan) to Control Trash and Part 1 Trash Provision of the Water Quality Control Plan for Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries (ISWEBE Plan). Together, they are collectively referred to as ‘the Trash Amendments’. The objective for the Trash Amendments is to provide statewide consistency for the Water Boards’ regulatory approach to protect aquatic life and public health beneficial uses, and reduce environmental issues associated with trash in all state waters.
Locally VFWC stakeholders are working on development of the American River Basin Stormwater Resource Plan which will include, among other actions, projects to address the Trash Amendments.
VFWC is a proud partner of Protect Every Drop, Caltrans’ Stormwater Public Education Campaign to help encourage positive behaviors needed by the motoring public to help improve water quality throughout the state. By reducing stormwater pollution in and around the more than 50,000 lane miles of the highway system, water that discharges into major watersheds in the state will carry less pollutants and reduce the impact to our precious waterways.
River Friendly Landscaping is a an environmentally friendly way of gardening. Its practices are designed to help you create a healthy, beautiful, vibrant yard while conserving water, reducing yard waste, and preventing pollution of our air and local rivers. The Sacramento region has a well developed outreach program that VFWC stakeholders participate in and promote to the public.
VFWC coordinates outreach for regional Low Impact Design Conferences and supports outreach for Creek Week, Salmon Festivals and other regional programs. Click here for more information about upcoming California Naturalist Course.
Riparian habitat planted with native vegetation that is fire resilient helps reduce the amount of erosion that can occur after a fire event. Integrated resource and fire management plans for urban parkways and public spaces which limit the use of back fires and encourage small fires to be extinguished instead of being allowed to burn to reduce fuel loads preserves habitat helps maintain water quality in riparian habitats.
Coyote Creek Elementary Students release steelhead trout into the Sacramento River
Educational resources include materials for classroom use specific to the watershed, support for in-classroom activities, service learning projects, and field trips. VFWC partners work closely with K-12 schools in their area of influence as well as partner with the local colleges to provide research and internship opportunities for students.
View a student made video about Mira Loma High School’s award winning Arcade Creek Project.