Lichau Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lichau Creek |
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Lichau Creek and a stand of eucalyptus
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 Location of the mouth of Lichau Creek in California
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Region | Sonoma County |
| City | Penngrove, California |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Sonoma Mountain 7 mi (11 km) north of Petaluma, California 1,725 ft (526 m) 38°19′47″N 122°35′38″W / 38.32972°N 122.59389°W |
| River mouth | Petaluma River 4 mi (6.4 km) northwest of Petaluma, California 30 ft (9.1 m) 38°16′27″N 122°40′39″W / 38.27417°N 122.67750°W |
| Length | 8.9 mi (14.3 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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Lichau Creek is a small stream in Sonoma County, California. It flows for about 8.9 miles (14.3 kilometers) through the town of Penngrove. This creek eventually empties into the Petaluma River. It's an important part of the local environment.
The creek was originally called O'Hara Creek. It was named after John O'Hara, an early settler. John O'Hara was born in Ireland in 1833. He moved to Penngrove between 1852 and 1857. He owned the land where the creek flows. The creek's original name was mentioned in a newspaper in 1904.
Contents
Where Lichau Creek Flows
Lichau Creek starts on the western side of Sonoma Mountain. This is a mountain in Sonoma County. The creek begins between two other creeks, Copeland Creek and Lynch Creek.
The Creek's Journey
First, the creek flows west. It goes under Sonoma Mountain Road. Then it passes north of a place called Stony Butte. After that, it crosses East Railroad Avenue and Petaluma Hill Road. It also flows under the Northwestern Pacific Railroad tracks.
Right after the tracks, the creek turns south. It flows next to the railroad tracks through Penngrove. It crosses Adobe Road and Main Street in town.
Reaching the River
As it gets closer to Petaluma, the creek crosses Ely Road. It then turns southwest. It flows under Old Redwood Highway and U.S. 101. Finally, it reaches the Petaluma River.
Plants and Animals of Lichau Creek
Lichau Creek is home to many different living things. Scientists studied the creek in 1968. They found many types of life there.
Life in the Creek
- Algae: These are simple plant-like organisms.
- Duckweed: Tiny floating plants that cover the water's surface.
- Cattails: Tall plants often found in wetlands.
- Dragonflies: Flying insects with large eyes.
- Flies: Small flying insects.
- Caddisflies: Insects that build cases around themselves.
- Frogs: Amphibians that live in and near water.
- Steelhead Trout: A type of fish that lives in the creek.
- Sticklebacks: Small fish known for their spines.
Bridges Over the Creek
Several bridges help people cross Lichau Creek. These bridges allow roads to pass over the water.
- One bridge carries Petaluma Hill Road. It was built in 1920.
- Another bridge is on East Railroad Avenue. This one was built in 1970.
- Adobe Road also has a bridge over the creek. It was built in 1929.
