Windsor Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Windsor Creek |
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Windsor Creek
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 Location of the mouth of Windsor Creek in California
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Region | Sonoma County |
| City | Windsor, California |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 5 mi (8 km) southeast of Healdsburg, California 38°35′26″N 122°47′38″W / 38.59056°N 122.79389°W |
| River mouth | Mark West Creek 3 mi (5 km) northeast of Forestville 38°29′48″N 122°50′58″W / 38.49667°N 122.84944°W |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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Windsor Creek is a stream in Sonoma County, California, United States. It flows south for about 8.8 miles (14.2 km). The creek starts near Healdsburg, California and flows into Mark West Creek. Eventually, its water reaches the Pacific Ocean through the Russian River.
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Where Windsor Creek Flows
Windsor Creek begins about 5 miles (8 km) southeast of Healdsburg. It flows south into the town of Windsor. The creek runs next to Brooks Road and goes past Hiram Lewis Park.
It continues southwest through farmland. Then, it meets another small stream called Pool Creek. From there, Windsor Creek flows south. It finally empties into Mark West Creek about 3 miles (5 km) northeast of Forestville.
Windsor Creek's Water Area
The area that collects water for Windsor Creek is about 25 square miles (65 km²). The highest point in this area is about 800 feet (244 meters) high. The lowest point is about 50 feet (15 meters) high.
Windsor Creek is a seasonal stream. This means it often dries up during the summer months. However, because more buildings are being built in Windsor, some parts of the creek now hold water all summer. This happens because of extra water from sprinklers and other city sources.
Keeping Windsor Creek Clean
Organizations like the Community Clean Water Institute (CCWI) check the water in Windsor Creek. They look for things that might pollute the stream. In 2006, their tests showed that Windsor Creek had too much conductivity and not enough dissolved oxygen. These are signs of pollution. CCWI has also warned about high levels of nitrates in the creek.
Bridges Over Windsor Creek
Several bridges cross over Windsor Creek. These bridges help people and cars get across the stream.
- A bridge on Old Redwood Highway was built in 1995. It is made of concrete and is 72 feet (22 meters) long.
- Another concrete bridge on Windsor Road was built in 1967. It is 67 feet (20 meters) long.
- A concrete bridge on Mark West Station Road was built in 1976. It is 38 feet (12 meters) long.
- A concrete tunnel (culvert) carries U.S. Route 101 over the creek. It was built in 1962 and is 35 feet (11 meters) long.
- A concrete tunnel (culvert) on Conde Lane was built in 1995. It is 26 feet (8 meters) long.
