Stream Restoration

Forest Hills park encompasses both side of a stretch of flowing water known as Third Fork Creek. A project was initiated by the State of North Carolina in summer of 2002 to improve water quality and secure the banks of the creek throughout the east side of the park. Construction was completed in the spring of 2005.

State's Project Summary (excerpt): The restoration of the portion of Third Fork Creek located within the Forest Hills Park in Durham was conducted to restore stable channel morphology to improve sediment flow in the watershed, improve aquatic habitat diversity, and restore riparian vegetation. The goal of the project was to develop a stable stream channel with reduced bank erosion, efficient sediment transport, and improved overall stream habitat and site aesthetics.

There continues to be some debate about the aesthetics of the project, as the stream was originally much more visible but is now surrounded by vegetation. There is little debate that it has been a successful project for water quality and habitat restoration. Many species have returned to the stream and surrounding buffer zones including fish, reptiles and birds. Unfortunately, ragweed has also enjoyed a resurgence, but many local residents are vigilantly defending us against this interloper.