Focus Watershed: Stone Creek of South Elkhorn Creek

The focus of this project is Stone Creek, a Fayette County tributary of South Elkhorn Creek.  The South Elkhorn Creek watershed includes stream segments listed by the Kentucky Division of Water for various water quality impairments, including pathogen, nutrient and sediment pollution.  The portions of the watershed within Lexington have also been subjected to significant streambank and habitat alteration. 

As part of the science curriculum at Montessori Middle School, groups of students have been measuring and assessing water quality, biology and stream geomorphic characteristics of Stone Creek.  The primary concern for on-going work in 2009-2010 is the lack of native vegetation along the stream.  The stream is currently covered by honeysuckle on both sides, with an occasional native tree or shrub.  As a result, invasive species continue to crowd out native species and do not help significantly in preventing further erosion of the stream banks.  In addition, it also provides a less than ideal habitat around the stream, despite providing some cover for the stream.

The Montessori Middle School of Kentucky will continue some initial efforts to reforest the riparian zone with native trees, bushes, grasses, etc. based upon their symbiosis with a stream environment.  Students will also continue efforts to identify native species along the stream with permanent markers for visitors and students to use when walking around the property.  Finally, the Montessori Middle School of Kentucky plans to put in a walking path around the entire property.  The path will begin with a section parallel to the stream, which will enable students and visitors to more easily access and enjoy it.