
About Horsetown-Clear Creek Preserve
News
Fall 2023
Spring hikes and events were great, and we’re starting fall activities soon. These hikes provide a great opportunity to come out with a group and get acquainted with the trails at the preserve. Bring family and friends to enjoy the outdoors and learn about different topics of interest. We’re excited to let you know that…
Spring 2023
Our volunteers and board of directors have been busy since last fall, keeping trails clear of fallen trees and branches. We also worked with a group from the California Conservation Corps to burn small piles that were stacked last year but not burned prior to the end of the burn season. Now it’s just about…
History of the Area
The Gold Rush on Clear Creek marked a significant chapter in California’s history, with Major Reading’s discovery leading to a rush of fortune seekers and the development of thriving communities. The legacy of this era is still visible in the region’s history and natural beauty.

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Frequently Asked Questions
1. when is the annual salmon run on Clear Creek?
Several salmon runs occur throughout the year. The main Chinook salmon run happens between September 1 and December 1. Because the creek is a restored salmon run, be sure to check with Fish and Wildlife for current fishing regulations.
2. What is that large machine in the water?
It’s a Rotary Screw Trap, a specialized device used in fisheries and aquatic research to capture and study river and stream fish populations. It is made up of a rotating screw-shaped mechanism or auger that is placed in the watercourse, usually in such a way that fish swimming upstream come into contact with it. The trap’s design allows fish to be gently lifted or transported from the water into a collection area where researchers can study, count, measure, and release them without harm.
3. Can I prospect for gold and artifacts at the Preserve?
Because it is a historical preserve, no gold mining or artifact hunting is permitted; nevertheless, the BLM allows some of these activities on surrounding holdings.
4. What birds, butterflies, and plants are at the preserve?
View our list of common and uncommon bird sightings at the preserve here. The Monarch Butterfly, California Sister, and Acmon Blue are just a few of the many that have been sighted during April and May. See our plant gallery for a sneak peek at some of the flora.
5. WHERE IS THE PRESERVE?
GPS coordinates:
Elevation: 622 feet
Latitude: 40°29.656’ N
Longitude: 122°29.890’ W
Google Map
6. Is hunting or target shooting allowed?
Hunting is prohibited within the Horsetown Clear Creek Preserve and lands downstream from the preserve towards Highway 273 and on public lands east of Clear Creek between Clear Creek Road and Placer Road. Target shooting is also prohibited.

Meet Our Board Members

President

Secretary
Lisa has been volunteering with Horsetown since 2012 and is currently serving as secretary on the Board of Directors. She enjoys the friendly coworkers and the opportunity to make a difference. Lisa also organizes the Adopt-a-Highway program that was originally set up and run by the late Frank Kosko. Volunteers clean trash from a stretch of Clear Creek Road around the preserve and the Reading Bar monument on a regular basis. She also enjoys helping to host spring and fall events, planting native plants at the preserve, and doing some trail work. She takes photographs and helps to implement the Facebook page. Lisa considers the work involved a labor of love.

Treasurer


Don became a part of HCCP when founder Gene Clark began inviting organizations related to the environment to become involved in its development. Don was representing Shasta Rescue and Rehabilitation Inc., and this interest grew into a HCCP Board Member position. As an architect, he helped especially in our bridge construction, trail map signage, trail maintenance, and recently in an installation oversight for the new toilet building.
His interest in the BLM Cloverdale parcel on the northside of Clear Creek Road led to wandering and exploration and an interest in historical features, the two mini-falls, and possible trail locations. He has led several HCCP walks on that parcel.



Ray enjoys volunteering with Horsetown-Clear Creek Preserve. Ray originally worked with Frank Kosko on the trails a few years before he became a board member in 2012. Ray helps maintain the trails and amphitheater by helping keep them clear of fallen trees and weeds. He has always liked trail work. He worked with the Angeles National Forest as a volunteer for many years before moving to Redding. He also helps with the Adopt-a-Highway clean-ups and miscellaneous projects at the preserve.
The programs and activities created by this board are the result of a developed friendship and common interest, as well as the dedication of current and past board members, including Frank Kosko and Charlie Ferrell.