Come join our Adopt-a-Creek volunteers as we help restore the streams of the Malibu Creek watershed.
Urban runoff and invasive species introductions have created habitats for invasive plants and animals in the streams. In order to combat these effects, we need your help! We need volunteers to remove invasive crayfish and plants from Medea Creek in Oak Park and Malibu Creek in Agoura Hills.
Adopt-a-Creek is a great family event where people of all ages are welcome. It’s an easy and fun way to get community service hours and learn about the streams in your community. Prepare to get dirty as we wade into the streams to trap crayfish and remove trash. We provide all the equipment necessary for trapping except sturdy shoes for you to wear and clothes that can get dirty. With your help, we can greatly improve the health and aesthetic quality of our streams.
red swamp crayfish
About Crayfish:
- Red Swamp Crayfish are native to the South Eastern United States and Northern Mexico.
- They are a freshwater crustacean
- They can reach 12cm (~ 5 inches) in length
- They will feed on anything from plant debris to larvae, tadpoles, and snails
Crayfish are detrimental to the ecosystem of the Santa Monica Mountains because they:
- Prey on native species which drive native populations down, such as the Arroyo Chub, California Newt, California Tree Frog, Baja California Tree Frog, and the Southern California Steelhead Trout.
- Burrow which causes problems with water quality and creek bed erosion
- Feed on native plants which cause reduction in plant biodiversity and quantity
- Can serve as a primary food source for other invasive species such as the largemouth bass, catfish and bluegill
