This month we’re going to focus on one of the bigger challenges we are working on – managing erosion. When you hear “erosion,” you probably picture sandy beaches slowly being eaten away by the ocean. But right here in Colorado, we’re dealing with a different kind of erosion – one that’s messing with our creeks, water quality, and even the roads we drive on. Yes, erosion is happening right in our backyard, and it’s causing some serious issues.
Imagine this: as more urban development spreads across the Fountain Creek Watershed, our natural landscape is struggling to keep up. Concrete and asphalt are replacing vegetation, leading to more runoff and less water absorption. Add in a couple of major wildfires not too long ago, and you’ve got the perfect storm for increased erosion and sedimentation in our waterways.
After all, we’re all living downstream.
The Fountain Creek Watershed District is rolling up its sleeves and tackling this problem head-on. Since 2009, we’ve been installing projects aimed at stabilizing creek banks, reducing sediment, and restoring habitats. Our Southmoor Drive creek restoration project that is currently underway will prevent over 55,000 tons of sediment from entering the creek each year from this one site alone!
By addressing erosion, we’re also improving water quality, protecting wildlife, and making sure we have a creek we can enjoy for generations to come. And guess what? You can help too! Here are a few simple ways you can manage erosion on your own property:
1. Plant native groundcover: Native trees, shrubs, and grasses help stabilize the soil with their roots. Planting these on slopes or bare patches can reduce erosion and improve water absorption.
2. Install a rain garden: A rain garden is a bowl shaped garden, often fed by a downspout, that utilizes roof runoff. These gardens reduce erosion and stormwater pollution by using the water on site instead of letting it run into the street.
3. Use mulch and erosion control fabric: In areas prone to erosion, adding mulch or using erosion control fabric can help protect the soil and prevent further damage.
4. Create terraces on slopes: If you have a steep yard, building terraces can help slow down water flow and reduce soil loss.
5. Build retaining walls: These can be especially useful in preventing erosion on slopes by holding soil in place, allowing plants to grow and stabilize the area.
So, next time you’re enjoying the great outdoors, take a moment to appreciate the hard work happening behind the scenes to protect our watersheds – and maybe even give your yard a little TLC to help, too. After all, we’re all living downstream. Let’s keep it clean!
