Quickfacts:
Objectives of the restoration plan were to:
- Property Acquisition: Purchase and protect 6.36 acres in the Loves Creek watershed for ecological restoration and long-term conservation.
- Restore Floodplain and Stream: Reconnect the stream to its floodplain, stabilize stream banks, reduce impervious surfaces, and improve water quality.
- Remove Invasive Plants: Eliminate invasive species and replace them with native plants to restore a healthier riparian buffer.
- Create Community Green Space: Remove debris and condemned structures to create a downtown green space with native plants.
- Education and Outreach: Continue community education with bilingual signs and engage stakeholders in water quality efforts.
This restoration project aims to restore 6.36 acres along Loves Creek Tributary 1. The project focuses on reconnecting the stream to its floodplain, stabilizing stream banks, and improving water quality through the removal of invasive plant species and planting native vegetation. It also creates a community green space by clearing debris and condemned structures, enhancing both ecological health and public access. Ongoing community outreach and education, including bilingual signage, further promote watershed stewardship and environmental awareness.
Location:
- Located along Loves Creek Tributary 1 in Siler City, Chatham County, NC, within the Cape Fear River Basin
- It spans 6.36 acres near S. Cedar Ave and S. Chatham Ave, focusing on stream and floodplain restoration in the Loves Creek Watershed
Partners:
- Town of Siler City
- Biocenosis, LLC
- Kris Bass Engineering
- Unique Places Real Estate, LLC
- Unique Places LLC
- Fluvial Solutions Inc.
Funding: $369,150
- Environmental Enhancement Grant (EEG) from the North Carolina Department of Justice: $270,000
- In-Kind Matching Funds:
- Pro-bono legal support on land acquisition & protective deed measures: $66,794
- Town of Siler City: Brownfields: $32,205
- Town Support: $148.01
