Wildcat Creek Landuse History 1750-1800: Native Landscape

To observe Wildcat Creek in this era, we might follow the deepwater channel along the northeast end of the Potrero toward the mouth of the Creek, as the Huchiun, returning from the Bay in tule balsas, would have. The channel curves to the north through the mudflats, passing several small islands indicative of recent erosion of the marsh. It shows a pattern of spartina and pickleweed transitioning to scirpus and tules as the influence of freshwater increases.

Crossing the native grasslands of the alluvial plain, Wildcat Creek passes numerous shellmounds, particularly around the large laguna between the two creeks. Fish caught both in the Bay and the creeks are processed here for local consumption and trade. Near the first shellmound along Wildcat Creek, we reach the upper extent of the tides and the beginning of the narrow riparian forest, the only trees of the alluvial plain. Continuing upstream, the Creek splits, with the older overflow channel to the south marking the boundary of present-day Davis Park. Trails lead along the Creek to the Potrero, to marsh ponds (for salt harvest and waterfowl hunting) and channels, and to the shellmounds at Ellis Landing and the town of Stege.

Where the Creek turns south, it passes the large shellmound and ceremonial center of the area, located at a lagoon in a "sink" at the end of a remnant channel of Wildcat Creek. The Creek then intersects the main road of the Richmond plain (now San Pablo Avenue), which the Spanish explorers followed into the Huchiun lands, passes the shellmounds and village at Alvarado Park, and enters the Canyon. The Canyon, like the plain, is much more open than in years to come. Regular burning by the Huchiun prevents encroachment of brush and woodland, except in the more sheltered ravines and north-facing slopes. Woodland is most dense in the narrow Lower Canyon, giving way to more brushland where the Canyon widens, and open areas at the top. Several trails cross the Canyon, and springs are common.

Impact Map — pre-1800

Watershed View — ca. 1800