In July 2023, we had an opportunity to take a look at the progress of the planned work that has been developed over the past two years. We were able to meet at the Van Norden dam with Alecia Weisman, the SYRCL scientist who is heading up this project. The major thrust of the project is to sustainably restore the natural flora and fauna in the meadow. Before the current restoration work the South Yuba River, Castle Creek, and Lytton Creek had cut deep channels through the valley. Snow melt raced down the channels and also down the river leaving, ironically, part of the meadow very dry. Last year most of the Van Norden dam was taken down.

Related articles: 

• San Mateo Daily Journal: San Mateo - Belmont Creek restoration efforts underway 
• Monterey Herald: Frog Pond Wetland Preserve in Del Rey Oaks sees weed abatement, fuels reduction