Stream Buffer Restoration

 

In regards to the support for native plant preservation and usage, I have long been disappointed in most city/county parks. What they consider “greenspace” is mostly ballfields, tennis courts, and playgrounds. Any natural areas and streams that might be in them are often ignored, degraded, and covered in invasive plants. But there are some streams that are important and attention to the buffers that protect them are required.

Signage

The end of restored section

At Wills Park in Alpharetta near me, I recently came across a buffer restoration project. While it seems the work is recent, I found this description of the project dating back to 2018: “Foe Killer Creek is a perennial stream that flows through Wills Park in Alpharetta, continues into Big Creek and eventually into the Chattahoochee River. Unfortunately, the creek has been identified as an impaired (polluted) stream due to increased presence of fecal coliform bacteria and sediment load.”

Sediment-filled area not yet restored

Restored area with willow

Only part of the stream has been restored so far and hopefully other sections will be addressed as well in the future. The plants installed include trees (oaks, blackgum, sweetbay magnolia, hollies, black willow); shrubs (Virginia sweetspire, dwarf wax myrtle); and perennials (ferns, lizard’s tail, river oats).

Lizard's tail, Virginia sweetspire, river oats, wax myrtle

The stream in the restored area looked pretty clear and small fish and water strider bugs were visible from a pedestrian bridge and I saw a frog hop in. Signs and orange mesh fence help to inform the public and keep people out while the plants get established.

I look forward to seeing how they manage the area over time and hope that other communities take steps to improve their streams as well.