Shaw Creek Restoration Project
Shaw Creek in Henderson County, North Carolina after in-stream construction.
Shaw Creek
Tributary of the French Broad River
Henderson County, Hendersonville, NC
Status: Complete
Stream Restored: ~885 feet
Partners:
Before restoration, Shaw Creek was eroding and overrun with invasive species. In particular, kudzu and Japanese knotweed were choking out and preventing more desirable native trees and shrubs from growing.
Resource Concern/Issues:
Multiple severe out of bank flooding events
Severe streambank erosion, significant land loss, and reduced crop production after each rain event
Invasive species - kudzu and Japanese knotweed, overran the stream corridor choking out and preventing more desirable native trees and shrubs from growing along the streambank
The project team planted a riparian buffer on Shaw Creek after instream construction is complete. The buffer is enhanced with Elderberry that the Farm will use for medicinal purposes.
Project Objectives:
Floodplain and bench construction and enhancements
Install in-stream structures
Reduce stress on the banks and maintain channel stability
Introduction of buffer plantings and removal of invasive species
Remove at-risk trees from streambanks and replanted along banks and floodplain
Plant over 3,000 native species trees and shrubs
Plant elderberry for medicinal purposes
Transplant river cane, a plant that has cultural significance with the Cherokee nation and may supply materials for future Veterans Healing Farm endeavors