W hat is the historic natural character of the Butterfield Creek watershed? How can we understand it, now, in the midst of contemporary life and concerns? At what crossroads is Butterfield Creek today?

T o answer these questions, we travel into Butterfield Creek's geologic past to expose the roots of tis natural watershed. More recently, we find images of the watershed encountered by Native Americans and by pioneer settlers. Culture and nature came together then. The landscape was transformed. This transformation was initiated by Native Americans and advanced powerfully by pioneer settlers.

T his brief journey leads to insights regarding Butterfield Creek's past, the connection of past to present and how each relates to the watershed's future. The crossroads is this merging of Butterfield Creek's recorded past, living present and potential future. The future will be determined by watershed residents. They decide whether to heighten the value of Butterfield Creek in their lives and the life o their community, and, if so, how. Within their grasp are opportunities to shape the cultural and natural landscape of Butterfield Creek into the next century. This narrative can act as an environmental compass for watershed residents navigating through preservation and change.