You’ve come to a pretty nice place. Solano County covers 823 square miles, and contains multiple watersheds. Every lake, pond, wetland, river and stream has its own watershed.

What is a watershed? Here is an example of how it works: think of land on a hill – miles from the nearest lake. When it rains, some of the water soaks into lawns and fields. The water that is not absorbed into the soil runs off, including rain and irrigation that falls on driveways, roofs and streets. This water joins small streams and wetlands that drain into creeks, which join with rivers that can eventually drain to the ocean. Smaller watersheds are then part of larger watersheds, with all their water eventually draining to the same place.

Watersheds are made up of all the plants, animals and geologic formations of the natural world, as well as all the housing, agriculture and industry of the human world. We spend our day-to-day lives working and playing in the watersheds we call home. We rely on water and other natural resources for our most basic needs and our most wonderful creations and inventions. Everything we do in our daily lives impacts the watershed we live in. The health of our watersheds and the health of our lives are linked.

In Solano County, our watersheds include the Blue Ridge foothills of the Coast range, beautiful canyons, spectacular views, a network of seasonal creeks, fertile farmland, rare prairie lands, and the Suisun Marsh and the Sacramento River, both part of the San Francisco Bay Delta. We enjoy cooling Delta breezes and easy access to San Francisco and Sacramento.

Every resident is also a watershed steward (someone who cares about the place they live in) whether you think of yourselves in that light or not. The choices we make – in maintaining our homes and cars, in how we garden and landscape, in how we get around – all impact the watersheds we live and work in.

Our watersheds are a gift we all can enjoy, but they also represent a stewardship responsibility for each of us.  This Directory will provide you with information and resources to help you with good property management, watershed protection and preservation.

Here, you’ll find information about the many natural resources found in Solano County watersheds, along with great tips about taking care of and improving the piece of the watershed where you live. You’ll even save money in the process. From recreation to landscaping tips, this online Directory offers practical information about living in and taking care of your watershed. Welcome, and enjoy!!