Building Healthy Streams

Streams are intricate ecosystems, teeming with life.  Healthy streams support a diverse range of fish and other aquatic creatures, but they rely on the delicate balance of flow, substrate, and water quality.   The stream function pyramid illustration shows the building blocks for a healthy creek. 

Our approach:  Restoring Nature's Balance
We're working to mimic nature's way of managing water by restoring more natural flow patterns. By slowing down stormwater runoff and recharging groundwater, we can reduce flooding and erosion, and improve water quality.

We've built floodplain wetlands at Wolsing Woods to reconnect the stream to its floodplain and help offload flows to reduce erosion.

How You Can Help on your property
You can play a vital role in protecting our local streams. Here's how:

• Install a Rain Garden: A rain garden is a beautiful and effective way to soak up stormwater runoff and reduce pollution.
• Install a Rain Barrel: A rain barrel can capture rainwater for later use, reducing your water bill and conserving water.
• Plant Trees: Trees help to absorb and uptake water, and provide shade and habitat for wildlife.

Together, we can create a healthier future for our streams and our communities.

Adapted in part from the stream function pyramid of Harman et al. 2012.