College Branch Stream Enhancement

Quickfacts:

  • The project focuses on an unnamed tributary to North Buffalo Creek, locally known as College Branch. The drainage area for the section proposed in this application is 0.45 square miles. North Buffalo Creek is on the 303(d) list for poor benthos and fish communities and is classified as C, NSW. It is part of the nutrient-sensitive Jordan Lake watershed.
  • Opportunities for water quality improvement include tributary restoration, wetland restoration, and stormwater BMPs.The project will positively impact the overall watershed, contributing to progress made through previous projects like stream restorations, stormwater BMPs, and buffer enhancements.
  • Initiated by the Downtown Greenway Phase 4 and Atlantic & Yadkin (A&Y) Greenway project, a collaboration between the City of Greensboro and Action Greensboro. The proposed greenway is adjacent to College Branch, offering potential for habitat improvement, bank stabilization, and buffer enhancement.
  • By providing a critical link between Downtown, surrounding areas, and the Battleground Parks District, Phase 4 will complete the greenway while offering educational and recreational opportunities. 

September 2021- November 2025

This project will enhance over 2,040 linear feet of College Branch Stream along Greensboro’s downtown greenway. The purpose of the project is to stabilize the stream banks, improve bed substrate, create habitat with in-stream structures, and provide community engagement and education regarding the importance of protecting our urban streams. The area surrounding the stream work will be overlaid with conservation easements and declaration of covenants & restrictions placed on it in perpetuity.

Location: 

Downtown Greensboro between McGee St. and Market St. , College Branch, tributary to North Buffalo Creek, Haw River, Cape Fear River Basin

Partners: 

  • Action Greensboro
  • City of Greensboro
  • Guilford County Schools
  • Greensboro College
  • UNC-Greensboro
  • Kimley Horn Associates (consulting, design engineer) 

Funding: $1,373,242

  • NC Land and Water Fund 
  • City of Greensboro
  • Action Greensboro
  • Greensboro College
  • Guilford County Schools
  • NC RC&D State Association- Flood Mitigation Funding