Project Summary
The Mill Creek watershed is a subwatershed of the Cuyahoga River, in the central basin of Lake Erie. The large amount of impervious surface area and stormwater runoff in this urban watershed, combined with stream channel degradation along Mill Creek, has resulted in loss of aquatic habitat and biodiversity.
West Creek is currently restoring 1,844 linear feet of Mill Creek stream channel in Highland Hills. Restoration activities include stream elevation and reconnection of the stream channel with a naturalized floodplain, bank stabilization, and creation of riffle habitat. This project is part of a larger watershed restoration effort involving numerous conservation partners; all together these initiatives are establishing a connected corridor of restored stream channel and riparian area, improving water quality while creating an opportunity for a trail and greenway system along Mill Creek.
Project Partners
The Mill Creek – Northfield project is funded through the Ohio EPA 319 program. This project is one of a series of successful projects completed by NEORSD, the Village of Highland Hills, City of Warrensville Heights, City of Cleveland and West Creek Conservancy in a headwaters approach to restoration in the Mill Creek and Cuyahoga River watersheds.
Expected Outcomes and Benefits
Once complete, this project will result in the stabilization of over 1,800 linear feet of actively eroding stream channel, and restoration of about 1.75 acres of floodplain. These restoration activities will enhance the stream’s ability to process nutrients, reducing phosphorus and nitrate inputs to downstream waterbodies including Lake Erie. Mitigating ongoing channel erosion will also improve instream habitat, supporting aquatic biodiversity in Mill Creek.
Our Gallery
