Temecula Creek
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Temecula Creek runs through the southern portion of Temecula, California in southern Riverside County and through the rural communities of the Temecula Valley along the State Route 79 corridor, Aguanga, California. The creek is filled with boulders, and is typically dry and sandy. It is a relatively undeveloped coastal draining watershed.[1]
Biologically diverse, supporting both coastal and desert fauna and flora, it is bounded by the Agua Tibia Wilderness area and the Cleveland National Forest. The creek supports coastal sage scrub, including Jojoba, alluvial fan scrub, mesquite bosque mix, Coast Live Oak woodland, and mature Fremont Cottonwood-willow woodland.[2]
In addition to riparian breeders, birds include Least Bell's Vireo, Nuttall's quail, Ladder-backed woodpecker, and California and Gambel's quail. Arroyo Southwestern Toad are also found in Temecula Creek.[2]
Temecula Creek has a slightly larger drainage area than Murrieta Creek. The headwater of the Santa Margarita River begins at the confluence of the two creeks.[3]
The village of Temecula originated on a bluff on the south bank of Temecula Creek opposite the old Wolf's Store according to an 1853 survey.[4]
[edit] Conservation
In 1948, the owners of the Vail Ranch built a 132-foot high dam on Temecula Creek, the Vail Lake Dam, approximately 10 miles above the confluence with Santa Margarita River. The lake is a public recreational use area.
Grazing along Temecula Creek has injured its understory.[2]
With the encroachment of homes on both sides of Temecula Creek, portions may be channelized.
[edit] References
- ^ <<cite web |url=http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/cleveland/projects/forestplan/part2/land-uses-prospect-aguanga-pt2.shtml |title=Projects & Plans - Land Management Plan |publisher=USDA Forest Service |accessdate=2007-11-29}}
- ^ a b c Site Profile. audobon Society. Retrieved on 2007-11-29.
- ^ Santa Margarita, CA, Murrieta Creek to Sandia Creek Rd. (Temecula Gorge). americanwhitewater.org. Retrieved on 2007-11-29.
- ^ Leland E. Bibb (Summer 1972, Volume 18, Number 3). The Location of the Indian Village of Temecula. The Journal of San Diego History. sandiegohistory.org. Retrieved on 2007-11-29.
