At a Glance
The restoration of valuable headwater streams such as Kellogg Creek Tributary will ultimately enhance the health and biological diversity of Lake Erie.
Project Description
Kellogg Creek is a primary headwater tributary to the Grand River, the most biologically diverse Lake Erie tributary in Ohio. Headwater streams like Kellogg Creek provide valuable ecological services including wildlife habitat and retention of sediment, water, pollutants and organic matter. Since development began in its watershed, however, Kellogg Creek has experienced increased flooding and erosion, diminishing its capacity to perform these services. In response to residents’ concerns over erosion and standing water, county officials chose this stream as a candidate for restoration and turned to Biohabitats for help.
In an effort to engage and inform residents, Biohabitats presented ideas at a community meeting during the concept development phase. Biohabitats solicited input and questions from residents regarding the stream’s function and ultimate appearance.
Using input garnered from the community and information gathered during field work, Biohabitats produced three restoration concepts for the tributary. The concepts identified sections of the channel where a buffer of native trees and shrubs would be planted to stabilize eroding banks. Biohabitats also chose strategic locations along the channel to create wetlands where stormwater would be collected and naturally treated. Biohabitats’ concepts also depicted off-channel low impact development stormwater management features such as rain gardens, to be constructed within and adjacent to existing swales in the surrounding neighborhood. The proposed restoration will reduce erosion and flooding, filter pollutants and provide valuable wildlife habitat.