Baxter Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Baxter Creek |
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The Northern terminus of the Ohlone Greenway trail at Baxter Creek Gateway Park
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Location of the mouth of Baxter Creek in California
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| Other name(s) | Stege Creek |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Region | Contra Costa County |
| City | Richmond, El Cerrito |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | The Presidio Berkeley Hills |
| River mouth | Stege Marsh, San Francisco Bay Richmond, California 0 ft (0 m) |
Baxter Creek, also known as Stege Creek, is a special waterway in California. It flows through the cities of Richmond and El Cerrito. This creek starts in the Berkeley Hills and makes its way to Stege Marsh and then into the big San Francisco Bay. It's not just one stream; it's a system with many small sources, making up the Baxter Creek watershed.
Contents
Discovering Baxter Creek
Baxter Creek is made up of three main branches. These branches come together to form the larger creek system. Overall, the entire Baxter Creek watershed has ten different starting points.
Where Does Baxter Creek Flow?
The creek begins high up in the Berkeley Hills. From there, it travels downhill, passing through urban areas. Its journey ends when it reaches Stege Marsh. This marsh is a wetland area that connects directly to the San Francisco Bay.
Bringing the Creek Back to Life
Over many years, parts of Baxter Creek were covered up. This happened as cities grew and new buildings were constructed. The creek was often put into underground pipes, a process called culverting. This meant people could no longer see or enjoy the creek.
The Friends of Baxter Creek
Many local residents missed seeing the creek. They decided to form a group called the Friends of Baxter Creek. This group works hard to bring parts of the creek back to the surface. They want to restore the creek to a more natural state.
Restoring Natural Spaces
Thanks to these efforts, several sections of Baxter Creek are now more natural. Places like Baxter Creek Park, Poinsett Park, and Booker T. Anderson Park have been improved. These areas now look more like a natural creek environment. This helps plants and animals that live near the water.
Connecting with Nature
The Ohlone Greenway is a popular path for bikes and walkers. Its northern end is at Baxter Creek Gateway Park. This park is located near where the BART train tracks cross San Pablo Avenue in Richmond. It's a great spot to enjoy the restored creek.
What's in a Name?
The name Baxter Creek has an interesting history. Historians believe it comes from a family who once owned land in the area. The name Stege Creek comes from Richard Stege, another important landowner. An older name for the creek was Bishop Creek, named after Thomas Bishop, who also owned large amounts of land there.
