Environmental educator Catherine Robertson smiles as she watches kids explore Porter Branch Creek in McDowell Nature Preserve. The children, armed with green dip nets, eagerly scoop up insects and amphibians, placing their findings into white buckets.
“Today, we’re participating in a Stream Watch program,” Robertson explains. “They’ll search for macroinvertebrates, salamanders, and other critters. By identifying these creatures, we’ll learn about the water quality in this stream.”
This event is part of Creek Week, an initiative by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water aimed at promoting environmental awareness. But what exactly is a creek? According to Robertson, creeks and streams are small waterways feeding lakes and rivers. Mecklenburg County boasts over 3,000 miles of streams, highlighted in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services.
“Keeping these waterways clean is crucial. Whatever flows downstream can affect everyone,” she emphasizes. Clean water not only benefits humans but also supports species like salamanders, which help control mosquito populations.
“Healthy amphibians consume many pesky insects during the summer,” Robertson adds.
Robertson also mentions that certain insects, like caddisflies and mayflies, are indicators of water quality. “Some species are sensitive to pollution,” she explains. “If we see those sensitive types, it means our stream is healthy.”
Moreover, the diversity of life in these streams helps combat climate change. Wetlands and forests are essential for capturing harmful greenhouse gases. Healthy ecosystems play a critical role in sequestering carbon and maintaining air quality, according to experts.
Charlotte is facing challenges with urban flooding, especially with predictions of a 10% to 20% increase in annual flooding costs by 2050 due to climate change. Marissa Barrett from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water shares that urban areas receive more rainfall than cities like Seattle. “We must ensure our creeks and rivers flow efficiently to manage stormwater,” she says, highlighting the importance of maintaining these natural systems.
The recent Climate Risk Assessment identified urban flooding as a significant risk for Charlotte, alongside extreme heat and severe weather. Just a few years ago, Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage along the Catawba River.
Additionally, the increase in impervious surfaces, like roads and parking lots, contributes to flooding by preventing water absorption into the ground. Pollutants from these surfaces often end up in creeks, affecting local ecosystems.
“It’s vital to educate people that only rain should go down storm drains,” Barrett insists.
For those interested in exploring local creeks, here are a few tips:
- Stick to established paths to minimize erosion.
- Leave rocks where you find them, as they might be homes for aquatic life.
- Carry out any trash you find to help preserve local water quality.
- Join a guided tour with groups like the Catawba Riverkeeper or Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services to learn more about the 3,000 miles of streams in the area.
By taking part in these initiatives, we can all contribute to a healthier environment and a more resilient community.
