Dutton Shadyside Park floodplain restoration project
In the furthest upstream regions of the watershed, the runoff from agricultural fields, yards and roads flows down a network of ditches that joins together to make the main channel of Plaster Creek. Here at Shadyside Park is where the main channel begins to form. The creek meanders a half mile through this park. Before the restoration project, the banks of the creek at Shadyside Park were very steep and eroded. After a rain event, the creek would gush forcefully through the park eroding away the banks and contributing loads of sediment into the creek, in turn, degrading the stream and increasing flooding for downstream communities.
In partnership with Kent County Parks, MDEQ, and other partners, the steep banks were excavated into a more natural floodplain. This allows the creek to overflow into a wide area when the water level rises. The water can slow down, and deposit the sediment reducing erosion. With the help of hundreds of volunteers, Plaster Creek Stewards planted the floodplain with native Michigan plants. The native plants have deep root systems that allow water to percolate while holding soil in place. These plants will also attract native pollinators (like butterflies), birds, and other wildlife. Sadly, dozens of trees next to the creek needed to be removed for this project, but over 200 new trees were transplanted to beautify the park and increase the biodiversity. This project has been funded wholly or in part through Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s Nonpoint Source Program by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.