ULAO CREEK NATURE PRESERVE -GATEWAY SITE HABITAT RESTORATION PROJECT
Funded by a grant from the Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium, Inc. the Ulao Creek Partnership has assisted the Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department on a long term restoration project aimed at improving the ecological health of the Ulao Creek Watershed. This project involves a variety of restoration techniques such as stream bank stabilization, fish passage improvements, removal of nonnative invasive species and plantings of native species to enhance the natural processes of Ulao Creek, which have degraded as a result of development in the area.
The 7-acre site covers approximately 2.5 linear miles between Ulao Parkway and just south of STH 60, along the east side of I-43. Upon Ozaukee County’s 2021 acceptance of the land donation by the developer of the adjacent properties, the site is now a part of the Ozaukee County Park system.
Map of Ulao Creek Nature Preserve County Park
Read more about the SEWRPC grant
Story from the Ozaukee Press- An Unlikely Partnership
ULAO CREEK HABITAT RESTORATION AND REMEANDERING PROJECT
The Ulao Creek habitat restoration and remeandering project is a long term collaborative effort between the Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department, the Ulao Creek Partnership, and other stakeholders.
The primary focus of the project has been to remeander a section of the creek that had been straightened and channelized in the past due to development in the area. The redirected stream channel will reduce the velocity of the water, allowing for the re-establishment of natural features, such as riffles, pools, and bends that are essential for aquatic ecosystems. This will also aid in reducing the erosion levels and stabilize the stream banks.
Other restoration activities include the planting of native vegetation along the stream banks and in the riparian zone, construction of fish habitat structures and stabilization of eroding areas with natural channel design techniques.
These restoration measures, in improving water quality, enhancing the habitat for fish, wildlife, and other aquatic organism are important steps towards a more sustainable future for the Ulao Creek watershed.
PAST AND ONGOING PROJECTS…
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INVASIVE SPECIES PULLS
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TREE PLANTING
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SWAMP HIKES
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WATER MONITORING