Catawba Lands Conservancy (CLC), a non-profit land trust in North Carolina's Southern Piedmont region, is leading a habitat restoration project within Mountain Creek Park in Catawba County. The goal of this project is to restore an 80-acre section of the 600-acre park by addressing erosion as well as the spread of invasive plant species over the course of three years. The project is funded in part by SER’s Standards-based Restoration in Action program in collaboration with Microsoft’s Datacenter Community Affairs team with additional support from the North Carolina Land and Water Fund.

Addressing Ecological Challenges

The Mountain Creek Park Habitat Restoration project seeks to address two key ecological issues: soil erosion and invasive plant species. Significant bank erosion has accelerated stormwater runoff into Lake Norman. This erosion not only washes away soil nutrients but also degrades water quality and aquatic habitats. To address this, CLC began restoration efforts in the summer of 2023 by reseeding eroded banks with native grasses.

The spread of invasive species—including wisteria (Wisteria sinensis), tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), and Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense)—poses another major challenge. These species compete with native plants, reducing biodiversity and depriving native birds, pollinators, and other wildlife of essential habitat and food sources. CLC has implemented a multi-faceted approach to manage these invasive plants, which involves:

1. Removal of Invasive Species: CLC systematically removes dense growths of invasive species in collaboration with Native Roots, LLC, minimizing pesticide use.
2. Targeted Herbicide Application: Mature invasive plants are treated with herbicides applied directly to stumps, while smaller plants are treated using a foliar method.
3. Planting of Native Species: After removal, native trees, shrubs, and plants such as Pawpaw (Asimina triloba), Possumhaw Holly (Ilex decidua), Spicebush (Lindera benzoin), and Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) are introduced to stabilize soil and prevent invasive regrowth.

Native plantings improve water quality in Lake Norman by stabilizing the soil, reducing runoff, and forming natural barriers. They also foster biodiversity, supporting native animals, like the marbled salamander (Ambystoma opacum), southern two-lined salamander (Eurycea cirrigera), and chuck-will’s-widow (Antrostomus carolinensis) as well as pollinators. Vital pollinator species have declined due to the absence of native plants in the region.

Community Engagement and Collaboration

The success of the Mountain Creek Park project is underscored by strong community collaboration and educational outreach. CLC works with Catawba County Parks and Recreation, to implement the project, coordinate volunteers, and educate the public. Volunteer opportunities, such as a dedicated volunteer day with Microsoft, along with educational programs and signage, aim to teach over 1,000 people about the importance of restoration and inspire stewardship.

Project Outcomes and Benefits

The restoration at Mountain Creek Park aims to deliver multiple environmental and community benefits:

1. Improved Water Quality and Aquatic Habitat: Erosion control and native plantings reduce sedimentation, which improves water quality and supports aquatic life in Lake Norman.
2. Increased Biodiversity: The replacement of invasives with native species creates habitats for wildlife and enhances ecological diversity.
3. Enhanced Trail Aesthetics and Safety: Clearing invasive plants and shrubs opens lines-of-site and views along trails, enhancing scenery, accessibility, and visibility.
4. Community Engagement and Education: Volunteer events and educational programs deepen community connections and enrich park spaces for residents‎.

Alignment with SER Standards

This restoration initiative aligns with the principles outlined in SER standards by:

1. Incorporating Diverse Knowledge and Capacity: The project leverages the professional expertise of CLC and Catawba County Parks and Recreation, alongside the invaluable support of volunteers.
2. Promoting Inclusivity and Participation: Community restoration events and volunteer opportunities, including a dedicated volunteer day with Microsoft, ensure the inclusion and participation of diverse community members.
3. Identifying and Mitigating Causes of Degradation: Through the removal of invasive species, the planting of native trees and shrubs, and the seeding of native grasses and forbs, the project actively addresses the root causes of ecological degradation.
4. Seeks the Highest Level of Ecosystem Recovery Possible: The project prioritizes the promotion of native habitats to support a diverse array of flora and fauna, ultimately contributing to increased biodiversity‎.
5. Gains Cumulative Value at Large Scales: By restoring 80 acres within the broader Catawba County, the project contributes to the larger health of the Lake Norman watershed.

The Mountain Creek Park Habitat Restoration project illustrates how community engagement, collaborative partnerships, and standards-based restoration can create resilient ecosystems, and contribute positively to the environment and local community.

Microsoft is proud to collaborate with Society and Ecological Restoration to deliver standards-based ecological restoration with Catawba Lands Conservancy (CLC). Learn more here.