Putah Creek Guidebook

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Art Direction, Illustration, and Photography

The Putah Creek Guidebook was designed for ages 12 and up as a public education piece providing information about the cultural and geologic history, wildlife, habitat, and restoration of the Lower Putah Creek Watershed. Designed as both a field guide and an engaging narrative, the guidebook includes original photography, illustrations, poetry and stories that help bring this guidebook to life.

The guidebook was created in collaboration with the Lower Putah Creek Coordinating Committee, the Putah Creek Council, and technical staff at EDAW under a CalFed grant.

Awarded AEP Outstanding Public Involvement/Education Program, March 2009—Stewardship of the Lower Putah Creek Watershed.

Cover Art

Starting with a photograph of the creek as it exists today, the image morphs from the original photograph on the back cover to an illustration of the creek fully restored on the front cover. This approach introduces the reader to the concept of the creek flowing through not only the local community, but also through time; a key theme throughout the guidebook.

Illustration

Each chapter opens with an illustration setting the tone for the subject of the chapter, as well as additional illustrations scattered throughout the guidebook. Each chapter illustration includes the flowing creek theme both literally and figuratively as it flows into the next following page. A touch of blue applied to the bottom of each page throughout the book reinforces this theme.

Technical Illustration

Scientific concepts throughout the guidebook are illustrated to enhance the educational experience.

Photography

The majority of the photographs throughout the guidebook were obtained from local sources or photographed in the local area by the designer specifically for the guidebook.