Little Lick Creek Restoration in Grove Park

Before
After

Quickfacts: 

  • Objectives of the Restoration Project were to:
  1. Stabilize 6,000 feet of streambanks through installation of in-stream structures; stabilize geomorphic conditions; create and reconnect to floodplain
  2. Reduce bank erosion and reduction of nutrients and sediment loads into 303(d) impaired Little Lick Creek
  3. Improve water quality, aquatic and terrestrial habitat
  4. Establish conservation easement; re-establish & enhance riparian areas
  • 13.5 acres of vegetated riparian buffers will be protected by a permanent conservation easement along the tributaries to Grove Park Lake.

September 2020 to March 2024

This project aims to restore 6,000 linear feet of stream along unnamed tributaries to Little Lick Creek in Durham, within the Falls Lake and Neuse River Basins. The project, located in the Grove Park community, will create a stable, natural system with improved aquatic habitat and reduce sediment loading to the impaired Little Lick Creek and Falls Lake. Riparian buffers will be vegetated and protected through a conservation easement.

Grove Park, a lake and golf course community in eastern Durham, is affected by upstream development, channel straightening, and timbering, which have caused significant sedimentation in the tributaries. The Grove Park Homeowners Association, planning to dredge Grove Park Lake, sought help from the Durham Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) to restore the tributaries and prevent further sediment buildup in the lake.

Location: 

Unnamed Tributaries to Little Lick Creek; part of Falls Lake and Neuse River Basin; Grove Park Homeowners Association, Nichols Farm Drive, Durham, NC

Partners:

  • Grove Park HOA
  • Durham Soil & Water Conservation District
  • Land & Water Solutions (Raleigh)
  • North State Environmental, Inc.
  • Southern HS (Durham) School of Energy & Sustainability

Funding: $1,370,500

  • NC Land and Water Fund
  • NC Division of Water Resources Water Resources Development Grant 
  • Central Pines Regional Council, Raleigh Watershed Protection Program
  • Grove Park HOA 
  • NC RC&D Flood Reduction