This website provides an introduction to the historical ecology of the Miller Creek Watershed in Marin County, California. It is designed to inform residents of the watershed and other interested people about past and present ecological landscapes within the watershed, and how this information might be used to plan for the future.

The time frame begins with indigenous land use practices and considers the effects of Euro-American settlement beginning about 200 years ago, continues through the present, and briefly examines the future needs of the watershed. This description is meant to broaden the view of what Miller Creek Watershed could become through science-based planning and careful management.

Human induced changes in land use have affected the natural functions and habitats of the Miller Creek watershed. The emerging story foresees ongoing change that would benefit from a comprehensive understanding of the watershed’s history while planning to define and secure essential watershed services for the future.

The information is organized into 11 sections:

1   Introduction

2   Watershed Overview and Quick Facts current statistics

3   The Physical Setting Miller Creek, its tributaries, and watershed topography

4   Historical Ecology and Watershed Management how this research was conducted and how it can be used

5   Indigenous Management and Practices Miwok activity and areas of settlement

6   Historical Timeline historic periods and events that shaped the watershed

7   The Historical Landscape habitats in the watershed circa 1800, at the start of Euro-american modification

8   The Changing Landscape modifications to the watershed and its habitats

9   The Future opportunities and concerns for residents

10   Sources  a bibliography of data and references informing the research

11   Credits and Acknowledgements