Each year, the American Public Works Association (APWA) Awards Program recognizes outstanding individuals, groups and chapters representing the best in public works. Valley Water’s Hale Creek Enhancement Pilot Project was named the APWA Silicon Valley Chapter’s 2023 Project of the Year in the Environment/Parks category.
In coordination with San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Hale Creek project includes removing about 650 feet of a concrete-lined channel and replacing it with a vegetated, dirt and rock channel. The work stabilizes banks while restoring the creek’s natural environment and habitat functions. This effort ensures we create an ecosystem that promotes a diverse ecosystem with natural soil and plants.
The project also enhances flood protection in the surrounding communities adjacent to Hale Creek. The original channels were constructed of concrete over 50 years ago and have begun to deteriorate. While the concrete channels helped reduce flood risk and damage over the years, the passage of time has caused issues. With the new natural, soft-bottom channels, some of those concerns will be resolved —specifically, decreasing stream velocity and restoring natural aquifer recharge.
The design of this project is the first of its kind for Valley Water. Crews will monitor and maintain the site for three years to establish native plants. If the Hale Creek Enhancement Pilot Project is successful, the design will become the new standard way of converting concrete-lined channels with natural channels.
I wonder if you considered planting the milkweed appropriate to support Monarch butterflies. They need many plants connected at short flight distances. Currently it takes too much energy to go from one remaining milkweed reserve to another. I would be willing to donate to this sort of action. Edy Young, 408-529-6033.