During 1950s, housing development began along the banks of Cole
creek. When the rural land was subdivided into home sized parcels,
the rear property line was the center of the creek, homes were
built on the floodplain of the creek. Natural tall grasses were
replaced with tightly manicured lawns. Stormwater drains were
installed that emptied directly into the creek. Due to the
increased flow of water into the creek, this once shallow stream
began to deepen. Erosion increased, and the banks became almost
vertical, preventing the stream from regular contact with its
natural floodplain. Today, Cole Creek is a challenged waterway.
Water once absorbed by native plants now hits impervious surfaces
like streets and driveways and is routed through stormwater systems
into the creek.
In August of 1999, up to ten inches of rain fell overnight
forcing Cole Creek out of its banks. The waters of the creek became
a torrent through the urbanized watershed
The city of Omaha, with the direction of Omaha by Design, is
working to recreate the natural curves of the creek. These curves
will slow the velocity of the floodwaters. The banks will be
restored with natural grasses that will absorb the runoff and help
filter the impurities. The walking paths and parking areas of
Orchard park will be replaced by a surface made of crushed rock or
bricks that will maintain its position but allow the rainwater to
absorb more slowly in the ground.
As you log this cache feel free to take a photo and post it with
the log so we can all watch the progress of this restoration
project.