Corralitos Creek facts for kids

Corralitos Creek is a 14.1-mile-long stream in Santa Cruz County, California. It begins on the western side of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The creek flows south through the towns of Corralitos and Freedom. It also touches the northern part of Watsonville. Finally, it joins Salsipuedes Creek. Salsipuedes Creek then flows into the Pajaro River, which carries the water to Monterey Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

History of Corralitos Creek

Early Explorers and Names

On October 15, 1769, a group of Spanish explorers called the Portolá expedition traveled through this area. They crossed what is now Corralitos Creek. They camped near a lagoon surrounded by giant redwood trees.

A priest with the group, Father Crespi, named the camp Santa Teresa. The lagoon was called Laguna de las Calabasas. Today, it is known as Corralitos Lagoon. This lagoon is not part of the main Corralitos Creek.

Rancho Los Corralitos

The lagoon is located near Rancho Los Corralitos. This land was given to José Amesti in 1823. He was an immigrant from the Basque region of Europe.

The name "Los Corralitos" means "the little corrals" in Spanish. A corral is a pen for animals. The small town of Amesti, California is named after José Amesti.

Corralitos Creek's Path and Waterways

Where Corralitos Creek Flows

Corralitos Creek and Salsipuedes Creek are the lowest streams that feed into the Pajaro River. Browns Creek is the biggest stream that flows into Corralitos Creek. Many smaller streams from the Santa Cruz Mountains also add water to it.

Connecting Creeks and Lakes

Casserly Creek and Salsipuedes Creek flow into a place called College Lake. This lake used to be called Laguna Grande, but it is now dry. Salsipuedes Creek then leaves College Lake. It joins Corralitos Creek right next to Highway 152.

Animals and Nature in Corralitos Creek

Home for Steelhead Trout

The upper parts of Corralitos Creek and its branch, Browns Creek, are very important. They are considered "high potential" habitat for a special fish called steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Steelhead trout are a type of fish that can live in both fresh water and salt water.

Protecting and restoring these streams is a top priority. This helps to keep the steelhead trout population healthy in this part of California.

Redwood Forests Along the Creek

The valleys in the upper parts of the creek's area are mostly covered by tall coast redwood trees (Sequoia sempervirens). These ancient trees create a unique environment for the wildlife.