Specific restoration work included restoring some 30+ streambank erosion sites along a 3,000-foot section of Kid’s Creek. Restoration work was completed using a variety of methods including; stabilizing banks with fiber logs and rock riprap, installing fish lunker structures, lowering the grade on steep banks, placing large boulders in the stream and planting vegetation along riparian areas.

By stabilizing the stream bank, an estimated 145 tons of sediment will be stopped annually from entering Kid’s Creek. Based on 145 tons per year of sediment reduced, the estimated amount of Phosphorus reduced as a result of this project is 125 pounds per year, and Nitrogen is 246 pounds per year.

This project is made possible through a $99,150 grant from the Great Lakes Commission Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Program and matching funds from local businesses. Partners supporting this project either through technical assistance or financial support include:
• Grand Traverse Conservation District
• Garfield Township
• Hinman Group
• Natural Resources Conservation Service
• National Park Service (Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program)
• Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy
• Gourdie-Fraser Inc.
• Great Lakes Companies (Great Wolf Lodge)
• GDO Investments (Oleson Family Trust)

During Summer 2004 and 2005, we coordinated numerous work bees with the general public and various organizations to complete work at the site. Ten organizations and more than 100 people have volunteered their time to help assist with restoration efforts as this site, overseen by staff from the Grand Traverse Conservation District and Gourdie Fraser. Thanks to everyone's hard work, all existing erosion sites in the project area are now repaired!




Special thanks go to the following organizations for providing volunteers and
assisting with restoration efforts.
• Traverse City Rotary Clubs
• United Way Day of Caring – Great Wolf Lodge and Kohl’s Department Store
• Home Depot
• DTE Energy Green Team
• Conservation Resource Alliance
• Gourdie Fraser, Inc.
• Traverse City Central High School Students
• TBA Career Tech Center

Tree Planting
Through a matching Grant from Global ReLeaf, we were able to plant 18 balled and burlapped trees at the site November 2004. More than 60 students from construction classes and instructor Anna Blight’s Agri-Science and Natural Resources classes at the TBA Career-Tech Center were on hand to assist in the planting effort. Global ReLeaf provided guidance and education regarding the importance of trees and how to properly plant them. Seven river birch, seven red maple, and four red oaks were planted. Special thanks go to J.P. Landscape & Irrigation Inc., Garden Goods, and TC Rentals for donating labor, materials, and equipment to prep the site and plant the trees, and to Global ReLeaf for supporting the project.

In Fall 2005, a network of trails, complete with cedar fencing, bridges criss-crossing the stream, and benches for wildlife viewing were added at the site. Visitors can take a walk through the restoration site and see the completed work for themselves. Access to the resotoration site is available at the Great Wolf Lodge trailhead (on the south side) or via the trailhead between Kohl's and Michael's.

Additionally, an educational sign kiosk was installed at the site which will educate visitors about historic land uses at the site, explain the streambank restoration efforts, and introduce the watershed concept to visitors.

A project brochure was also developed that highlighs key issues and accomplishments of the project. This brochure will be made available at the site and in the lobby of the Great Wolf Lodge. Click here to view a PDF version of the brochure.

A public Open House was hosted at the site October 2004; another will be held in Spring 2006 once the snow melts and the flowers start blooming. In addition, The Watershed Center and Garfield Township hosted workshops at the Great Wolf Lodge in October 2003 and 2004 for local businesses and township officials to learn more about the project and tour the site.

In the months and years to come, the network of trails at the site will be expanded, the fish pond will be restored, and the grist mill will be renovated. The Watershed Center will also host more workshops for local governments and Open Houses for the public at the site to talk about the project and educate the public on restoration issues.