The Watershed Center has led dozens of on-the-ground projects bringing more than $14 million to our region to implement our watershed protection plans. These projects have prevented more than 25,000 tons of sediment, 17,600 pounds of phosphorous, and 49,800 pounds of nitrogen from entering Grand Traverse Bay.

We continue to identify sites and seek funding for protection and restoration activities consistent with our watershed plans. Check out some projects that are currently underway.

• Green Infrastructure in Elk Rapids: Installing rain gardens and underground infiltration to reduce stormwater runoff into Grand Traverse Bay.
• Green Infrastructure in Northport: Installing underground infiltration chambers at the Northport Public School parking lot and bioretention on Main Street to reduce stormwater runoff into Grand Traverse Bay.
• Kids Creek Chloride Study: Determining if chloride from road salt runoff is negatively affecting Kids Creek and reducing insect populations.
• Kids Creek Riparian Restoration: Re-establishing a buffer consisting of native trees and woody shrubs and constructing a 1-acre stormwater wetland on the main branch of Kids Creek to improve water quality and reduce stormwater, sediment, and nutrient inputs to the creek.
• Mitchell Creek Source Tracking: Conducting source tracking efforts to determine the source of E. coli contamination in Mitchell Creek.