Pigeon Creek Watershed Association

The Pigeon Creek Watershed Association (PCWA) is a new organization officially recognized by the Washington County Watershed Alliance in March 2024. But even before that, our group of officers and members was active in the Pigeon Creek watershed, monitoring water quality, conducting biological surveys, and performing stream clean-ups for several years. Now officially recognized, we were ready to tackle another aspect of our mission as a watershed association: streambank restoration. This is the story of our first streambank restoration project.

Initial visit with the property owner.

In April, one of our officers introduced us to a streamside property owner interested in preventing further bank erosion. We met the owner at his property and conducted a “walk the banks” survey. The property had about 500 feet of stream frontage, most of which was undergoing moderate erosion.

Overall, we didn’t think the banks were so badly eroded that they couldn’t be stabilized with simple measures like streambank plantings. One issue that can cause erosion is cutting or mowing up to the water’s edge, which leaves a streambank unprotected. If preventative measures aren’t taken, streambank erosion can keep marching further and further inland over time. A good stand of shrubs or deep-rooted native grasses, if left unmowed, can help prevent this.

The Planning Begins

First, however, we needed to get an official judgment on the scope of the work that might be necessary. So, armed with our photos, we made an appointment with the Washington County Conservation District (WCCD) and met with their specialists for watersheds and soil erosion control. After discussing what we thought the issues were, the Watershed Specialist, Jeffrey Kim, recommended that he come to the site for his own “walkabout.” After taking photos and consulting with his colleagues at the WCCD office, we received the OK to go ahead as discussed.

While that was happening, we learned about the Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership. This partnership supplies landowners and other groups with a selection of native tree and shrub species attractive to wildlife and pollinators. These species also enhance the property’s aesthetics and erosion control. Further, the WCCD would coordinate and combine all individual requests from other Washington County watershed organizations into one bulk order. After consulting with the landowner, we placed our order with the WCCD.

Our Shrubs Arrive

In October, we received our order of 45 plants: Red Osier Dogwood, Silky Dogwood, Elderberry, Viburnum, Ninebark, Pussy Willow, and Buttonbush, all of which are tolerant of wet soils & suitable for planting at the water’s edge. Click an image below to enlarge and see the shrub names. (Images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and the US. Forestry Service.)

Planting Day!

On planting day, we organized the shrubs, tree tubes, and stakes along the bank before the planting crew arrived so they wouldn’t have to waste time waiting for something to happen. They jumped right into the planting with enthusiasm.

With spacing up and down the bank, we managed to cover the required area in a little over one hour of planting time. Then, it was time for a group picture.

Other folks were involved, including the property owner, who ferried stuff back and forth the whole time, and, of course, the picture taker. The WCCD Watershed Specialist, Jeffrey Kim, even came out to help plant. Not so apparent is the future watershed protector trainee, who slept through the whole morning—many thanks for that and to all the above.

Thanks also to the 10MM Trees Partnership & the WCCD for all their support.

If you’d like to join us in our work or are a Pigeon Creek property owner looking for info about how to protect your property, contact us at pigeoncreekwatershed@gmail.com . We look forward to hearing from you!