Bringing Nature Back - Watson Woods Restored

Bringing Nature Back

Anyone driving along Hwy 89 or Prescott Lakes Parkway will have a hard time missing the activity happening in Watson Woods Riparian Preserve. Several “big yellow machines” are there disturbing the local vegetation, manipulating the landscape and interrupting the creeks current flow. This activity is not the old sand and gravel mine re-opening or the development of a new housing complex or strip mall. It is, however, a sign of the much needed ecological restoration that is occuring at the Preserve!

The Watson Woods Riparian Preserve Restoration Project has officially broken ground. As Preserve Managers, Prescott Creeks has spent the last several years diligently researching, planning and securing funding for the Watson Woods Restoration Project. The five-year project will address habitat and water quality issues along the lower portion of Granite Creek through habitat restoration. Activities involved will include relocating four reaches of the creek, creating a functional floodplain and six ephemeral wetlands, along with the planting of over 15,000 local riparian trees and several native grasses.

Prescott Creeks has partner with numerous entities throughout the project. Over $1 million dollars worth of funding has been provided by agencies such as Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), Arizona Water Protection Fund and the City of Prescott. Prescott Creeks has also hired Natural Channel Design (a Flagstaff based environmental engineering firm) and Fann Environmental to assist with many of the technical components of the project. As a public land and a shared natural resource, community involvement through financial support and volunteerism has been a huge component of the Watson Woods Restoration Projects.

Volunteer support is key to the success of the restoration project. Since December 2008, over 230 volunteers have donated their time to help prepare for the restoration project. It is expect that throughout March and April an additional 300 volunteers from across our community and around the world will assist with restoration activities. Tasks will include preparing for and planting over 15,000 tree branches, spreading native grass seeds and assisting in stabilizing disturbed creeks banks. All ages, background, and physical abilities are welcome to participate.

For further information about the project or if you are interested in volunteering please
contact Ann-Marie Benz at 928-445-5669.

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