Our Projects
One of Oak Creek Watershed Council’s most important projects is water quality sampling. Oak Creek is one of the last remaining undisturbed riparian systems in the desert southwest and is crucial habitat to many native species, along with providing thousands of visitors every year with a place to cool off and enjoy the scenic beauty of this pocket of Northern…
Soil erosion is impacting the ecological health of Oak Creek. When excessive sediment settles on the stream bottom it suffocates aquatic insects (a.k.a. benthic macroinvertebrates) that are key food prey items for fish and other wildlife. Sediment also serves as a reservoir for fecal contaminants (E. coli bacteria). Sedimentation occurs from erosion, which can be contributed to over-use of swimming…
Every gram of dog feces contains an average of 23 million E.coli bacteria, which poses a health threat for recreators swimming in Oak Creek. The PWS program identified locations within the Oak Creek corridor as potential sites for pet waste stations. While we do not know how many pets may live in or visit the Oak Creek Watershed each year,…
Stewardship Engagement In partnership with the following groups: the United States Forest Service (USFS), the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), the City of Sedona, the Arizona Community Foundation, and the National Forest Foundation; Oak Creek Ambassadors have monitored heavily-used recreation sites. They’ve made a positive impact by talking to visitors, picking up trash, human and dog waste, monitoring water…
In partnership with the City of Sedona, OCWC hosts cleanup events that encourage residents of the greater Sedona area to learn about stormwater pollution, the sub-basins and watersheds within the Oak Creek Watershed and Sedona area, and how they can play an important role in protecting Oak Creek. Here are some steps you can take to ensure you do not…
Because of COVID-19, we are seeing massive increases in visitors fleeing to the creek and Sedona trails, which means increases in littering and habitat degradation, significantly impacting the fragile riparian ecosystem. And it’s an eye-sore! Our small team is working tirelessly to pick-up after visitors, so that creek sites are pristine upon their arrival, hopefully encouraging them to leave it…
Take a look at water quality trends in Oak Creek and Fossil Creek in 2018 and 2019. Oak Creek Ambassador Emma Harries took on writing this comprehensive report as her capstone project for her undergraduate studies. We are so excited to share this report with you and could not be more proud of Emma. View the report here.
Take a look at water quality trends in Oak Creek in 2020. This summary report was made possible by support from the Sedona Chamber of Commerce under the Sedona Sustainable Tourism Plan Tactic A2.3. View the report below.
Welcome! Virtually view our educational brochure. Learn more about the issues that are threatening the health of the watershed and how you can help! Created by tmsr Design Delivery in collaboration with Oak Creek Watershed Council and Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. This brochure was funded by grants from ADEQ and EPA.
In partnership with the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, OCWC hosts cleanup events that encourage visitors to the greater Sedona area to “give back” while learning about the geology, ecology, and other issues pertinent to the watershed. By participating in these events, visitors can visit scenic areas along Oak Creek, red rock country, and northern Arizona forests while making a positive…
Saturday, September 17 REGISTER TODAY! The Coconino National Forest, National Forest Foundation, Oak Creek Watershed Council, and the Arizona Dept. of Environmental Quality invite you to Pickin’ Up in the Pines! Join us to clean up camping areas in the forests that are the headwaters of Oak Creek canyon. In advance of major holiday weekends, get outside, clean up trash,…
Oak Creek flows through a beautiful canyon along Highway 89A between Flagstaff and Sedona and is a popular destination for recreation. The creek is a tributary to the Verde River, which feeds into the Salt River, itself providing water to millions of people living in and around Phoenix. Oak Creek is one of the few perennial streams in Arizona’s high…
Take a look at water quality trends in Oak Creek in 2021. This summary report was made possible by support from the City of Sedona in partnership with the Sedona Sustainable Tourism Plan Tactic A2.3. View the report below.
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