BARBARA BENISH

Land to Sea Ecologies: Woodrow x Westcliff.

At the Monterey Bay Marine Life Sanctuary
Riparian Corridor Restoration Project  2014-2024
Bethany Curve, Santa Cruz.

California Bethany Curve is a City Park and Riparian corridor, that winds through the Circles neighborhood in Santa Cruz, northern California, from Delaware street to the sea at WestCliff Drive. It is a beloved walking space for people of all ages, dogs, and increasingly home to wildlife, especially birds, since our restoration project began in 2015. The benches are used daily by locals, some who have lived in our neighborhood for generations, to sit a spell, enjoy the sea breezes and catch up on neighborhood news. For nearly ten years, (as of 2024) the site has been under restoration by local neighbors and with the help of several non-profits. Groundswell & ArtDialogue, (our non-profit international arts group working in ecology, education, and the arts) have been the leads with the guidance of the City of Santa Cruz arborist Leslie Keedy and Measure E funding. In 2015, we started clearing the ice plant and invasive pampas grasses on the west side of the creek at WestCliff, with help from volunteers and the support of the City of Santa Cruz. Landscape architect Richard DeSanto drew some plans and worked with Bill Henry at Groundswell to begin the master plan for plantings. We dubbed this first phase of the project "W x W" because of the cross streets at Woodrow and WestCliff. Why? Iceplant was introduced along the California coastlines in the 1950's to help contain erosion. We now know that while it's roots are strong, iceplant becomes a breeding ground for rats, who eat the eggs of our seabirds, who nest near the shores. By re-introducing native plants along the coastal regions, we can help restore the biodiversity of the region. See interview with Bill Henry, founder of Oikonos, and Groundswell, 2012 Streams, from large rivers to small creeks, touch the lives of everyone Santa Cruz. County resident. More than 770 miles of waterways flow through the County, so no one lives very far from a creek, stream, or river. By providing water supply, wildlife habitat, flood capacity, and aesthetic and recreation values, our waterways comprise an invaluable resource–but one that can be easily damaged by careless actions or improper land use. Since most streamside acreage is in private ownership, much of the responsibility for the life and health of our streams lies with you, the stream-side resident or property owner. Proper management of your stream bank and its vegetation can prevent or minimize erosion, preserve water quality, contribute to the survival of the area’s fish and wildlife, help avoid flood losses, and protect property values. The principles of proper stream care are simple, but they require your active participation. This booklet seeks to stimulate that participation and to guide you in your stream stewardship. With a little care, you can preserve and enhance your streamside environment and protect Santa Cruz County’s heritage of productive streams. From the Introduction to Santa Cruz County Stream Care Guide.