- Temecula Creek
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. [<]Biologically diverse, supporting both coastal and desert fauna and flora, it is bounded by the
Agua Tibia Wilderness area and theCleveland National Forest . The creek supportscoastal sage scrub , includingJojoba ,alluvial fan scrub,mesquite bosque mix,Coast Live Oak woodland , and mature Fremont Cottonwood-willow woodland.In addition to
riparian breeders, birds includeLeast Bell's Vireo , Nuttall'squail , Ladder-backedwoodpecker , and California and Gambel'squail . Arroyo SouthwesternToad are also found in Temecula Creek.cite web |url=http://iba.audubon.org/iba/viewSiteProfile.do?siteId=189&navSite=state |title=Site Profile |publisher=audobon Society |accessdate=2007-11-29]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. [cite web |url=http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River_detail_id_2856_ |title=Santa Margarita, CA, Murrieta Creek to Sandia Creek Rd. (Temecula Gorge) |publisher=americanwhitewater.org |accessdate=2007-11-29]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. [cite web |url=http://www.sandiegohistory.org/journal/72summer/temecula.htm |title=The Location of the Indian Village of Temecula |author=Leland E. Bibb |date=Summer 1972, Volume 18, Number 3 |work=The Journal of San Diego History |publisher=sandiegohistory.org |accessdate=2007-11-29]
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.
With the encroachment of homes on both sides of Temecula Creek, portions may be channelized.
References
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
