Montecito Creek...

Austin Val Verde Foundation Cares for Montecito Creek:

The Austin Val Verde Foundation creates a collaborative program with Santa Barbara Fish and Game, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, and establishes refuge pools for the endangered species of Steelhead Trout in the Montecito Creek.

Montecito/Cold Springs/Hot Springs Creek originates in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains and drains a 3,890 acre watershed (excluding the La Vereda Creek Watershed) capable of producing 5,700 cfs during a 100 year return period precipitation event.

Many steelhead may be observed along the creek length. The lack of rain and small flows during the last winter have allowed vegetation to colonize the invert and persist but in most cases the vegetation is not obstructive. As is typical with many of the Montecito Creeks, the substrata of this creek consists of rocks varying from small cobbles up to very large boulders, creating pool and riffle sequences along the system. The best pools are located in the upper reaches. The banks are well vegetated with California bay laurel, sycamore, coast live oak and alder.

While this is a relatively healthy riparian corridor, large areas are overgrown with invasive species such as vinca and introduced Cape ivy which reduces the diversity of the understory vegetation. Surrounding land use is primarily large acreage residential with most homes being set back away from the creek. However, in the lower sections of the creek, homes are very close to the tops of the banks, reducing the width of the riparian corridor. The surrounding riparian vegetation shades most of the creek.