Ohlone Creek Restoration

The New Ohlone Creek (Zone 5 Line D) Restoration Project reimagined a previously simplified urban drainage channel into a resilient, multi-benefit creek corridor that integrated flood protection, habitat restoration, and long-term ecological function.

RDG's design restored a more natural channel form and process while maintaining the flood conveyance capacity that surrounding infrastructure depended on. Located adjacent to Ohlone College, the restored creek added a visible, accessible ecological asset along the campus edge and created a green corridor that serves as an informal outdoor learning environment for environmental science, biology, and sustainability programs.

The project won the nationwide Environmental Project of the Year award from the American Public Works Association.