Concord Neighborhood Association

SANTIAGO CREEK WEEK 2005 - March 12 through March 19

Feb 28, 2005

http://www.santiagocreek.org/creekweek.htm

While the urban environment in Orange County continues to change, hidden in its maze of neighborhoods, businesses, and roads are cascading waterfalls, ancient canyons of weathered sandstone, hillsides covered with
wildflowers, shady oak woodlands, and the constant circulation of our drinking water.
This fascinating urban oasis is known as the Santiago Creek Watershed, and your opportunity to experience its many secrets is coming up in March.

Santiago Creek Week 2005 is a week long celebration of this watershed that
kicks off on Saturday, March 12 with the 2nd Annual Steelhead Run and the first Steelhead Ride. The trail half-marathon and the equestrian trail ride symbolically retrace the historic path of the spawning steelhead trout from
the ocean all the way to the creek's headwaters at Santiago Peak.

Throughout the week a variety of additional interesting and informative events will be held for the public. Sunday, March 13, is a history tour of the watershed. Local historian Doug Westfall will narrate this trip to such
sites as the Portola Expedition camp of 1769 and the infamous Robber's Roost in Santiago Canyon. Reservations are required for this event as seating is limited, and there is a fee of $20 per person. All other tours and hikes are
free of charge.

Nature hikes and tours will take place hroughout our watershed as well as special school programs during the week. These include Fremont Canyon,
Baker Canyon, Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary, Weir Canyon, and Hangman's Tree Canyon to
enjoy spring bloom, wildlife, and geology. Events are designed to build awareness of the local watershed and the many resources right here in our own backyard while having fun, too.

The week concludes with a watershed festival at Hart Park on Saturday, March 19. The watershed festival will host food and entertainment as well as opportunities to explore the creek firsthand. Informational materials will
be available to inform participants how their everyday habits can help to improve our water quality and protect the natural habitat for the many wild creatures that use our creek. Nature walks and history walks will be offered
throughout the day from the festival grounds. In addition, you'll have a chance to give input on a new vision for the Santa Ana River during a
concurrent workshop at Hart Park.

Santiago Creek flows from the Cleveland National Forest, through the canyon communities and on through Villa Park, Orange and Santa Ana, where it joins the Santa Ana River. Along its way are numerous parks and open space preserves as well as important components of the local water supply system and flood control network.

Santiago Creek's extensive watershed is 100
square miles of drainage which flows into the creek. Santiago Creek Week 2005 is a colaboratively sponsored series of events
designed to draw attention to the Santiago Creek Watershed and its many important features and resources. With the community organizations,
local government agencies, and other stakeholders involved, this year's Creek
Week is sure to be the best yet.

Make your plans now for Santiago Creek Week 2005, March 12 - 19. Call 714-744-7278 for more information.