Also known as Petaluma Wetlands Park, Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility is a 45-acre multi-purpose public landscape that processes sewage, produces recycled water and provides opportunities for recreation, school visits and nature walks. Three miles of trails provide rare public access to the facility and its vibrant wetland habitat. In addition to being a model for other wastewater treatment plants, Patricia Johanson’s design of the facility has created a unique destination and place to experience wildlife for the city of Petaluma. Adjacent to the rectangular oxidation ponds, Johanson envisioned the wetlands in the shape of the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse.

In 2000, Patricia Johanson partnered with Carollo Engineers to create Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility and polishing wetlands to enhance its treatment system. The facility cleans and returns 8 million gallons of wastewater a day from the city of Petaluma to the river, city, and farms.

Black Pheobe, Northern Harrier

Wildlife photographs courtesy of Bob Dyer.

Night Heron, Red-tailed Hawk

Wildlife photographs courtesy of Bob Dyer.

For more information about Patricia Johanson and this project please visit patriciajohanson.com and petalumawetlands.org.