Lost Creek Mitigation Project Provides Substantial Benefits

Standing on the edge of the portion of Lost Creek that runs through Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology’s campus,  Associate Professor Jenny Mueller pointed out how large Lost Creek’s watershed is. Nonpoint source pollution is a significant concern as the term watershed refers to the area of land where all of the water that drains off of it goes into the same place—a river, stream, or lake.

The Mitigation Project

The mitigation project added native vegetation to the creek banks. Vegetation has multiple benefits toward water quality. A significant effect involved reducing contaminants from entering the body of water through slowing down the flow of runoff. The vegetation can also benefit from the fertilizer contaminants to help their growth. In addition, the vegetation provides a stabilization factor on the banks of Lost Creek. The vegetation can hold the soil in place with deep and dense roots and significantly decrease bank erosion. 

The Effect

With the implementation of this mitigation project, the water quality of the Lost Creek has improved. As the vegetation has reduced soil erosion and harmful runoff, it has also flourished along the banks. Mueller enjoys the newfound look of the banks of Lost Creek due to the native vegetation.

Local High School Helps with Bicycle Rack Project

riverSCAPE Partners with Vigo County School Corporation

WEST TERRE HAUTE, IN- A new bike rack was installed on Thursday November 18th along the Wabashiki Trail system on the edge of Dewey Point.  This project has been in the works for a couple of years, after securing a micro-grant from the Wabash Valley Community Foundation. Riverscape was able to work with West Vigo High School to customize the unique bike rack.

West Vigo High School’s Metal Shop, led by Chris Nidiffer, drafted various designs incorporating wetland scenes and animals. After getting approval for the final design, they could utilize class time to construct and weld the bike rack. Nidiffer noted the significance of this joint project, saying, “We’re happy to give the students this experience and leave behind a footprint to be used by future generations.” Other contributors included West Vigo High School students Maci Easton and Adelynn Harris. Acting as a bridge between Riverscape and West Vigo High School, they monitored the project and informed both sides of the latest updates.      

Although joint projects like this one are not rare, Nidiffer described it as “One of my favorites we have ever done.” The ability to conduct this student-driven, teacher-led project was provided by the Wabash Community Foundation, which supplied the grant. Grants like this that benefit local entities and allow a community to work together are special. Michael Shaw, Riverscape President, noted, “We are very thankful to the Wabash Valley Community Foundation for supporting projects like this one.” The bike rack installation is timely. The bike rack will provide visitors to the Smithsonian Water|Ways exhibit, opening November 20th one more access point to get to the exhibition at the Vigo County School Corporation Administration Building. Both of which are located on the Wabashiki trail. “I have a deep appreciation for this community project. It is being installed at a highly visible, very busy Vigo County Parks and Recreation Department location,” Vigo County Parks and Recreation Department Superintendent Adam Grossman added.