The Healthy Watersheds Restoration Program, led by the RCD, relies on a diverse partnership with agencies, non-profit organizations, local governments, private consultants, and private and public landowners and land managers to implement its restoration, education and outreach, and monitoring work. Project partners include private and public landowners and land managers, community volunteers, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Friends of Soquel Creek, San Lorenzo Valley Women’s Club, California Native Plant Society, local Coastal Watershed Council, the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County’s Natural Resources and Employment Program, local universities and community colleges and local elementary and high schools. Other important partners include the County of Santa Cruz, the City of Santa Cruz, California State Parks, the San Lorenzo Valley Water District, San Lorenzo Valley High School Watershed Academy, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and the Zayante Fire Department.
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| Erosion control being installed along Soquel Creek to prevent sedimentation into the creek. |
Restoration work began in the Soquel Creek watershed in 2003 with the assistance of the California Department of Fish and Game and the Santa Cruz County Fish and Game Commission. In 2004, additional funding was received from Patagonia. In 2005, funding was awarded from the NRCS Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) to implement several restoration projects. In 2006, the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County awarded additional monies for restoration on Soquel Creek.