The Arroyo Del Valle is a tributary branching from the Lake del Valle watershed. It winds its way through the town of Pleasanton. Pleasanton's Main Street passes over it and the historic Pleasanton Hotel sits along side the creek bank. What is now a creek used to be a significant tributary supporting a healthy steelhead population. The photograph above was taken of Stanley Rathbone in 1916. As the city of Pleasanton continued to grow and housing sprang up along the banks of the Arroyo, erosion became a major concern. Concrete pilings and rip rock was deposited at vulnerable bends in the Arroyo to curb erosion. Erosion control, formation of local reservoirs needed to recharge the valleys underground aquifer, and water diversion for industry and recreational use has lead to what the Arroyo has become today. The steelhead may be gone but the Arroyo still creates a wonderfull wetland habitat. Stoic trees, blue herons, belted kingfishers, large mouth black bass, blugill, racoons, and other interesting wildlife are still common. Many residents and local industry aren't aware of what the Arroyo once was and what is has the potential to become. It is for this reason that the Amador Valley High School Science Department has begun the Arroyo Del Valle Creek Watch Project. Our mission is to use the creek as an outdoor laboratory. While learning basic concepts in both life and physical sciences students will hopefully develop an appreciation for one of Pleasanton's remaining natural resources.