A CREEK RUNS THROUGH IT ...
A creek ’ s health reflects what is happening on the surrounding land . All creeks are important whether they flow year-round ( perennial ), part of the year ( intermittent ), or just during storm events ( ephemeral ). Even the small swales that look like ditches are important because they carry water , soil , and nutrients into larger creeks .
Creek channels are constantly reshaped through natural or man-made processes . Many creeks in Arlington have been altered , channelized , or piped underground . Other has experienced excessive sedimentation , sewage , reduced water flows , and dumped debris . Yet creeks are resilient . With care and stewardship , the health of a creek can and will rebound .
SIGNS OF A HEALTHY CREEK Cool , clear water free of contaminants and excess algae . Varied flow cycles . Stable vegetated banks with minimal erosion . Presence of both slow pools and fast water running over shallow , rocky stretches .
Abundant rock and clean gravel of various sizes ( critical for fish spawning ).
Native riparian tree canopy , which stabilizes banks , provides habitat for birds and small mammals and keeps water temperature cool for fish populations .
Abundance of native riparian vegetation , providing cover for wildlife and root system which stabilize banks .
VILLAGE CREEK ARLINGTON , TX
Photo : Kassandra Madrid
Thriving fish , amphibian , and aquatic insect populations .
Leaves , small branches , fallen logs , and other natural vegetative debris within the stream bed and along banks , which support the aquatic food chain and provide hiding places for fish and invertebrates .
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