Restoration Efforts Underway at SLO Creek by Mission Plaza

A partnership between ECOSLO, The Creeklands Conservation, and the city is reviving the local waterway.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:55pm

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A highly textured abstract painting in muted shades of green, blue, and brown, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circular patterns, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex natural cycles and ecological forces of a thriving creek ecosystem.A vibrant restoration project aims to revive the ecological health and natural beauty of San Luis Obispo Creek, a vital urban waterway.San Luis Obispo Today

A major restoration project is officially underway at San Luis Obispo Creek near Mission Plaza, thanks to a grant from the Harold J. Miossi Charitable Trust. The SLO Creek Downtown Restoration Project aims to remove non-native plants, reintroduce native vegetation, and strategically plant trees to provide shade for people and local wildlife like steelhead trout.

Why it matters

The restoration efforts will improve the habitat, biodiversity, and visitor experience along the ecologically and culturally significant SLO Creek, which runs through the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo.

The details

The project is a partnership between ECOSLO, The Creeklands Conservation, and the city. Planned enhancements include removing invasive plants, reintroducing native species, planting shade trees, adding signage, and offering docent-led walks to educate the public.

  • The restoration work is expected to be completed by the spring of 2029.

The players

ECOSLO

A local environmental organization leading the restoration efforts.

The Creeklands Conservation

A partner organization working to revive the SLO Creek area.

Harold J. Miossi Charitable Trust

The organization that provided a grant to fund the restoration project.

Kendra Paulding

The executive director of ECOSLO who is overseeing the project.

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What they’re saying

“I'm so excited about all the trees that are going to come into this area, because the steelhead trout need a little bit of shade in order to thrive.”

— Kendra Paulding, Executive Director, ECOSLO

What’s next

The bulk of the restoration work will take place on Nipomo Street in the coming years, with the project expected to be completed by spring 2029.

The takeaway

This collaborative effort to revive the SLO Creek area demonstrates the community's commitment to enhancing local biodiversity and providing an improved natural space for both residents and visitors to enjoy.