Blog by Paula Pashby
It is quite peaceful taking a stroll through the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden on the UC Davis campus. There are many tree species from all over the world and multiple-themed display gardens that are beautiful. A creek also runs through the 3.5-mile path, adding to the peaceful feeling of nature. It is especially fun to see so many different native plants and finally discover some that I have only heard about from past discussions. I enjoy bringing many of my out-of-town visitors to the arboretum so that they can see what I often talk about when conversations shift to gardens.
One friend recently asked about the creek and the reason for the deep green color. We also noticed that the water was still and more like a large pond instead of a creek. I was a little stumped and later did some digging to learn more about the waterway. I always assumed that this was a part of Putah Creek, which is a major stream with headwaters from the Mayacamas Mountains that flow to Lake Berryessa and into the creek.
I did discover that it is instead a pond, called the “Arboretum Waterway”. The waterway was originally part of Putah Creek back in the 1870s. However, Putah Creek was later diverted south of Davis to avoid flooding local farms during wet winters. Subsequently, both ends of the waterway were dammed and became a pond.
Today, the Arboretum Waterway is a vital part of the UC Davis stormwater management system. The UC Davis campus storm drains run into the Waterway. When there is excess water, it spills over a wall into a pipe, where it is then pumped into Putah Creek and ultimately ends up in the Sacramento River. The waterway not only provides flood protection but also offers a flourishing habitat for wildlife.
Regarding the second part of the question about the green color of the waterway, I will save that one for the next blog!
For more information on the UC Davis Arboretum, visit their website at: https://arboretum.ucdavis.edu/
