Arroyo Burro

With headwaters in the Los Padres National Forest, the Arroyo Burro Watershed covers about 5,600 acres. Its 11 miles of creeks includes tributaries Barger Canyon, San Roque, Las Positas, and Mesa. Arroyo Burro flows into the ocean at Arroyo Burro County Beach Park, also known as Hendry’s Beach.

The Arroyo Burro Estuary at the beach is home to the endangered tidewater goby. Both the upper and lower watershed areas have expansive parks and natural areas, which provide wildlife habitat and opportunities for rainwater to be absorbed into the ground and replenish groundwater. The mid-watershed is densely urban, with about 4,700 homes and businesses that contribute to high levels of imperviousness and urban runoff.