Established in 1991, Friends of Alhambra Creek is a volunteer group that brings people and Alhambra Creek together to protect the health of the creek and its surrounding community. They have collaborated with other people and agencies to participate in, and carry out, a wide range of projects:
– Alhambra Creek Enhancement Plan and Creek Ordinance (1991)
– Creek Care Guide (1994)
– Saunter Along Alhambra Creek walking tour of lower watershed (1993)
– Downtown and intermodal area creek restoration (1998-2000)
– Bi-annual creek cleanups
– Water quality monitoring
– GPS mapping
– Bioassessment pilot project
– Martinez Jr. High outdoor classroom & nursery
– Martinez Adult Education creek restoration & environmental education collaborative
– Strentzel Lane Flood Reduction and Strentzel Meadow Restoration
– Alhambra High track – native plant planting
– Invasive weed removal
– Creek health assessments
The Alhambra Creek Watershed covers approximately 16.5 square miles in north central Contra Costa County in Northern California and encompasses a portion of the City of Martinez. Currently, land in the upper Alhambra Creek Watershed is used for parks and recreation, grazing, tree farming, and semi-rural living. The main stem of Alhambra Creek flows through open space, wildlife habitat, residential neighborhoods and commercial area. Valley floors of the upper watershed are residential/agricultural and the lower sections are residential/commercial. The creek passes through downtown Martinez and then discharges into the Carquinez Straits through a tidal wetland. There are no reservoirs and no heavy industry in the watershed. An oil refinery is located just over the ridge to the east, and two railroads and a freeway cross the watershed.