Valley Creek Corridor
Location
Port Washington, Ozaukee County
Start
2023
Status
Restoration design development, Construction begins 2026
Size
1.8 miles
Partners
City of Port Washington, Wisconsin Coastal Management Program, Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership, Ozaukee County Watershed Coalition
Valley Creek oxbow panorama (Eddee Daniel)
"The transformation of the Valley Creek Corridor represents a significant milestone in the City of Port Washington's commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. Through collaborative planning and public outreach efforts, this initiative seeks not only to address the pressing challenges facing Valley Creek but also to create a more resilient and accessible natural area for both present and future generations to enjoy." – 2024 Article from Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership
The Valley Creek Corridor restoration project focuses on the 1.8-mile stretch of city-owned land in Port Washington, which has been a longtime restoration priority for the City. The City has secured approximately $1,000,000 in grant funding to complete the design, including grants from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation in fall 2023 and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in spring 2024. Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership and Ozaukee County Watershed Coalition are leading the project’s education and outreach efforts including: hands-on learning for school-aged children, research opportunities for undergraduate students, and forums for community engagement and feedback. The restoration design is scheduled to be completed by 2026, and subsequent efforts will focus on securing construction funding. The project aims to reconnect the creek to its floodplain and stabilize eroded banks exacerbated by climate change-induced rainfall variability and lake level fluctuations. Restoration of this corridor will mitigate flood risks which currently threaten city infrastructure and recreational spaces. This project will also restore native habitats, reduce fish passage barriers, and improve water quality in Lake Michigan by reducing sediment and nutrient runoff.
Southern end of Valley Creek
Valley Creek restoration project map