New Interpretive Panels added to Marsh Creek Trail in Oakley/Brentwood

The Marsh Creek Trail is a 6.5 mile stretch of trail which passes through the communities of Oakley and Brentwood. Until now, the Marsh Creek Trail, which is part of the East Bay Regional Park District, had directional signs, and information at the standard District bulletin boards, but no further details beyond the trail map for visitors. Now, thanks to a cooperative effort on the part of several local agencies, cities, and organizations, visitors will be able to enjoy interpretative panels which inform the public about the natural habitat.

East Bay Regional Park District's Interpretive Services staff worked with stakeholders (including Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed, Delta Science Center, Natural Heritage Institute, and the Cities of Oakley and Brentwood) to develop the content for each of the six panels. EBRPD Naturalists composed the panel text, incorporating input from involved agencies and individuals. Once the text was finalized, EBRPD Exhibit Design completed the visual design of the interpretive panels.

"It is our mandate and great pleasure to bolster all citizens' understanding, enjoyment and appreciation for District parks and trails in Eastern Contra Costa County," said EBRPD Naturalist Michael Moran. "Marsh Creek and the Marsh Creek Trail are treasures that enrich life in the cities of Oakley and Brentwood. These panels can help local folks appreciate the wonderful history, resources, and future this creek provides for the community."

The interpretive panels will highlight the flora and fauna of the region, while explaining the relationship between the watershed, creek, wildlife and community. Specific panels focus on the riverbank habitat; wetlands restoration projects; and salmon migration challenges. Visitors will learn to identify varieties of vegetation and learn the importance of native plants in the local ecosystem.

The Marsh Creek itself starts in the Morgan Territory Regional Preserve and drains north, towards Big Break Regional Shoreline. The Marsh Creek Regional Trail, in easternmost Contra Costa County, winds along Marsh Creek through the local communities. The paved, multi-use trail is 6.5 miles long and extends from Concord Avenue in Brentwood to the wave-lapped Delta shores of Big Break.

Trail maps are available at staging areas and online at www.ebparks.org/parks/maps. Back to top