The Illinois River Watershed Partnership worked to restore and preserve an 80 acre parcel along Clear Creek.. This riparian area also contains two other tributaries, and a three-acre wetland.
What is a riparian area? Riparian zones, or areas, are lands that occur along the edges of rivers, streams, lakes, and other water bodies. Examples include streambanks, riverbanks, and flood plains. They're different from the surrounding uplands because their soils and vegetation are shaped by the presence of water.
The project has restored storm water flows, helped with overland runoff, and improved fish habitats. While preserving much needed green space for area residents and provided a critical wildlife corridor through a quickly growing urban area. This creek and wetland area is home to many diverse wildlife species, including waterfowl, wild turkeys, owls, red-tailed hawks, deer, beaver, foxes, and coyotes.
Please visit https://www.irwp.org for more information regarding their programs and explore how you can make a difference in Northwest Arkansas.