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Valley Creek Restoration Using Nature-based Solutions

Building ecosystem resilience within an important coastal tributary to Lake Michigan

  • 1.8

    Miles Ongoing Restoration

  • $1.4M

    In Secured Funding

  • Port Washington, Ozaukee County, Wisconsin

    Port Washington, Ozaukee County, Wisconsin

Helping restore habitats, protect infrastructure, and improve resilience to climate change in a popular urban creek and park

Like many places along the coast of Lake Michigan, natural areas in Port Washington, Wisconsin, are experiencing the myriad effects of climate change—increased erosion and flooding, extreme temperatures, and loss of habitats for imperiled migratory birds, pollinators, fish, and plants. This is particularly evident in the Valley Creek corridor, a 1.8-mile (2.9-kilometre) City-owned urban park that’s popular for hiking, biking, and watching wildlife.

Major flooding along the creek in 2018 caused severe channel deepening, damage to roads, homes, and water and sewer lines, and park closures. In a bid to limit impacts like these in the future, the City engaged our help. Our role? To design, permit, and oversee implementation of a comprehensive ecosystem restoration effort. Drawing on our previous work preparing the watershed plan and extensive knowledge of the Valley Creek watershed and funding opportunities, we’re working toward stream channel restoration and stabilization. We’re also working toward removal of fish passage barriers, green infrastructure planning, and wetland restoration.  

This ecosystem restoration project will ultimately help the City reduce erosion and flooding, protect critical infrastructure, and restore riparian, floodplain, and estuary habitat—improving the overall resilience of the watershed.

At a Glance

Offices
Client
  • City of Port Washington
Meet Our Team

Melissa Curran, Environmental Scientist/Botanist

I really enjoy finding money for clients. That usually means a better project for everybody involved.

Sarah Majerus, Environmental Scientist

We develop innovative solutions that have a mutual benefit for humans and the environment. In doing so, we are learning to co-exist.

Aaron Volkening, Senior Associate, Water Resources

I work with communities and organizations large and small to help tap into water’s potential.

Heather Schwar, Associate, Technical Discipline Leader, Water Resources (US)

I believe that technical excellence and effective communication are imperative for a successful, long-term project.
Heather Schwar Associate, Technical Discipline Leader, Water Resources (US) Read More

Sarah McDonald, Landscape Architect

My team works to protect and enhance the built environment by improving ecological and cultural connections- we make the world a better place. That’s why I love what I do.

Melissa Curran

Environmental Scientist/Botanist

Sarah Majerus

Environmental Scientist

Aaron Volkening

Senior Associate, Water Resources

Heather Schwar

Associate, Technical Discipline Leader, Water Resources (US)

Sarah McDonald

Landscape Architect

We’re better together

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  • Design your career

    Work with passionate people who are experts in their field. Our teams love what they do and are driven by how their work makes an impact on the communities they serve.

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