This stream has flowed here for millions of years, gradually changing its course and meandering back and forth across its floodplain to widen and level the valley floor. Regular floods after heavy rains deposit sediments creating rich soils that nourish a wide variety of trees, shrubs, ferns, and wildflowers. Many animals feed along the stream's bank and within its waters.
Water quality determines which fish and animals can survive here. Pollution and salt from roadways along with fertilizers and pesticides from lawns all get washed into the stream through storm drains. We must all do our part to keep our streams clean. Always follow directions when applying fertilizers and never dump oil, chemicals, or soapy water down storm drains — wash your car in the grass where any soap will be absorbed into the soil.
"In an age when man has forgotten his origins and is blind even to his most essential needs for survived, water along with other resources has become the victim of his indifference." — Rachel Carson, Silent Spring (1962)
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