For Marin County Public Works, RDG developed a 75-page watershed guide explaining how creeks work and highlighting the challenges and opportunities for addressing flooding in the watersheds surrounding Richardson Bay.

RDG conducted a watershed inventory that documented the conditions and potential of the Walnut Creek Watershed.  The foundation of the inventory was a series of interviews with watershed experts.  These interviews, supported by additional research, allowed RDG to quickly assess the status of this 150 square mile watershed.  The resulting document served as the keystone to the Walnut Creek Watershed Councils collaborative planning.

Ballona Creek flows through western Los Angeles between the Hollywood Hills and the Santa Monica Bay.  What was once a dense network of active creek channels and wetlands is now an 8.5 mile flood control channel surrounded by city. 

RDG generated concept designs, cost estimates, and hydraulic modeling for multiple sites in the watershed.  The Ballona Creek Greenway Plan articulated a comprehensive and realistic approach to improving public access, remediating stormwater, and restoring habitat in Los Angeles’ dense urban core.  The plan was awarded a 2011 Westside Prize (Honor), the highest award given by the Westside Urban Forum.

RDG worked with the City of Hercules and its citizens to develop the Refugio Creek Watershed Vision Plan.  A Watershed Vision Plan is a watershed-based planning document that is meant to provide a coherent vision of future projects in the watershed. The Vision Plan can be used as a fundraising and planning tool and has the added benefit of being a collaborative experience that brings community members together to develop goals and actions to enhance the watershed.

The vision planning group generated and prioritized over 75 recommendations in six categories: Access; Education and Outreach; Creeks; Ponds; Wildlife and Nature; Storm Water and Water Quality. 

(Photo courtesy of Mike Bowermaster) 

On behalf of a team of community and environmental organizations, RDG organized and facilitated community tours and design charrettes that resulted in a conservation vision plan for the North Richmond Shoreline.  The North Richmond Shoreline Community Vision documented the local community’s desire for public access, habitat restoration, and recreational opportunities on the shoreline.  The community vision has influenced city and regional planning efforts and helped to catalyze stewardship and advocacy for this forgotten shoreline.