Studies conducted a year after the stream restoration show that the channel incision has been arrested. Further studies will be continued past the project life to detect any shifting of the banks. After the restoration project, backyards abutted a new stream with a border of native trees, shrubs and wildflowers. Because the project was in an urban area, this buffer, or riparian corridor, sometimes shrank to 30 feet, less than a recommended width for water-quality protection. Still, it would provide many benefits to water quality and aquatic life.
Trees provide welcome shading to moderate water temperatures.
When many urban areas are faced with stream problems similar to Maryland Heights,' engineers have designed hard and straight structures of concrete, gabion baskets or riprap. Many years ago, Maryland Heights tried some of those techniques on Midland Creek. The damaged remains are still visible. Two preliminary designs on the new project proposed those old techniques once again. This time, the city chose a different direction, and the aesthetic quality of the neighborhood is enhanced with a natural stream, which in turn, enhances property values of the residences.