Focus Watershed: Wolf Run of South Elkhorn Creek

Wolf Run is a tributary of South Elkhorn Creek, a typical urban watershed suffering from siltation, sanitary sewer overflow, and nonpoint source runoff from parking lots.  "Springs Branch" watershed is a headwater tributary of Wolf Run and South Elkhorn Creek that courses through Southland Park, Clay's Mill Elementary School Property, Mary Queen School Property and through a number of Private Residences along Hill-N-Dale, Cardinal Lane, Sheridan Drive within Lexington, KY.

A number of property owners along this waterway are experiencing bank erosion and water quality problems. These problems are shared with property owners throughout Urban Fayette County.

Friends of Wolf Run seeks assistance for matching funds to conduct a series of demonstration projects to show residents along this stream how to best manage their streamside areas to improve water quality, stabilize their banks and improve the aesthetics of their stream through appropriate plantings, landscaping and maintenance methods.

Friends of Wolf Run inc. will set up a Springs Branch Watershed Improvement Neighborhood Group (WING) of volunteer technical advisors, residents and representatives from the parks, schools involved.  The Springs Branch Watershed Improvement Neighborhood Group will conduct a series of stream walks with area residents to identify issues and potential areas for improvement.  The Springs Branch WING will solicit, review and select proposals from area residents for hosting a demonstration project on their property that will include landscaping and plant materials appropriate for stream side areas.  Costs for work done on the demonstration project(s) will be reimbursed at up to a 50/50 matching rate from funds provided for this project up to $1,000 per $2,000.00 project.  The Springs Branch WING will also provide technical assistance for other property owners wishing to improve their stream side areas who are not participating in the demonstration project program.  Results of the demonstration projects will be shared with other improvement groups in other areas of the District and City.