April 21 Speaker Series: Colgan Creek Restoration Project

April 21, 2026, 7:30pm
Luther Burbank Art and Garden Center, 2050 Yulupa Ave, Santa Rosa

Zoom link to this presentation: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87090154781

Abstract: The Lower Colgan Creek Restoration Project, in south east Santa Rosa, aims to enhance habitat quality for fish and wildlife, restore the natural ecosystem services provided by the creek, improve pedestrian access, and reduce flood risk. Once completed, the project will create a continuous riparian habitat enhancement area totaling 15 urban acres and extending 1.3 miles along the creek. The third phase of the project is almost finished installing 9,000 native plants and over 11 acres of native seedlings. A Class 1 ADA-accessible pedestrian and bike pathway is also being built along the right bank of the creek, with a pedestrian bridge crossing the southeast corner to safely connect residents to nearby schools and other amenities. A neighborhood park is being planned for future construction, with the restored Colgan Creek meandering through as a central feature.

Bio: Kellen Johnston, a Santa Rosa Water Environmental Specialist, is a vital part of the city of Santa Rosa’s Storm Water & Creeks team. She leads creek restoration, public outreach, biological surveys, and environmental permitting for the city’s waterways. With a passion for aquatic ecosystems cultivated over 17 years in the field, Kellen brings a wealth of experience from around the world to the team.

She’s secured $7.7 million in grants for the Lower Colgan Creek restoration project, creating habitat, improving water quality, and enhancing public nature connection opportunities.

Milo Baker Chapter General Meetings and Speaker Series are held on the third Tuesday of each month (except for July, August, and December) at 7:30p.m. Meetings are held at the Luther Burbank Art and Garden Center, 2050 Yulupa Ave, Santa Rosa, or via Zoom.