Black Earth Creek Watershed Green Infrastructure Plan in Action

Black Earth Creek, a Class 1 trout stream in western Dane County and northeastern Iowa County, is prized for recreation by local community members and visitors. It is a focal point of the communities it flows through, but it also presents a flood hazard that was underscored by an extreme flood in August of 2018 that caused extensive damage.

In response, CARPC and a team of stakeholders created the Black Earth Creek Watershed Green Infrastructure Plan, outlining projects to improve flood protection while enhancing water quality, recreation, and local ecology. Strategies in this plan use green infrastructure, a nature-based approach that uses soil and vegetation to retain and infiltrate water in urban and rural areas, creating multiple benefits.

The Grove in Mazomanie, a vibrant regional community center, is bringing these recommendations to life by transforming its 6.5-acre landscape along the banks of Black Earth Creek. They began adding several rain gardens to the front of the building and plan on retrofitting green infrastructure solutions (such as rain gardens and bioswales) throughout the property, where there is currently no stormwater treatment. They will also start establishing a natural meadow behind the building, which will help protect water quality in the Creek while creating a peaceful space for outdoor learning, recreation, and mindfulness activities.

This transformation is a true community effort, made possible by the collaboration and support of Mara Lee Olson Designs, Silvernail Studio, Olson Toon Landscaping, the Olson Family, Quercus Land Stewardship Services, the Mike & Sally Sutcliffe Family, the New Heights Lutheran Church Land Stewardship Team, and over 25 volunteers. Their dedication and support are helping to create a place where people gather, connect, and thrive!