Malibu Creek Watershed

At 109 square miles, the Malibu Creek Watershed is one of the largest discrete watersheds draining into Santa Monica Bay, second only to the Ballona Creek Watershed. Malibu Creek and its tributaries reach east into Ventura County, winding through the Santa Monica Mountains and neighborhoods like yours until eventually reaching Santa Monica Bay.

Click here to see a map of Malibu Creek and adjoining watersheds.

Over 90,000 human residents in five cities and unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County call this watershed home, as do countless plant and animal species. Some animal species, such as the steelhead trout, tidewater goby and brown pelican are endangered. Many others, such as the snowy plover and peregrine falcon, are threatened. The watershed also hosts the popular Malibu Creek State Park, many hiking/biking trails, and spectacular scenery spanning from the ocean to the mountains.

Protecting this watershed is important not only for residential quality of life, but also to ensure the long-term health of the ecosystem. However, increased urbanization has resulted in water quality and quantity issues, as well as loss of critical habitat. Collectively, our actions can either harm or help this amazing place we call home. By taking responsibility for ensuring the overall health of the watershes and minimizing actions that adversely impact our natural resources, we can assure its viability for future generations.

The Malibu Creek Watershed Advisory Council works to protect and restore the watershed by implementing the 44 action items outlined in the 1995 Malibu Creek Watershed Natural Resources Plan. For more information on what you can do, check out Living Lightly in Our Watersheds. Not only will you find information on the watershed’s many natural resources, you will also find great tips and information on how to improve your immediate environment – and even save money in the process.

In addition, you can find more information on the Malibu Creek Watershed by reviewing the Watershed Management Area Plan for the Malibu Creek Watershed, produced by the Las Virgenes Malibu Conejo Council of Governments.