Storm-event sampling is conducted at the outlet of the watershed. Samples are analyzed for nutrients and sediment to determine if changes in land treatment practices are affecting water quality. These results can be used to convince farmers to implement BMPs. The creek has a drainage area of 67,740 acres, which includes the towns of Holt and Mason and part of the city of Lansing. The major commodities produced in this primarily agricultural county are corn, wheat, soybeans, and some livestock.
Sycamore Creek is a tributary to the Red Cedar River, which flows into the Grand River.
The Grand River discharges into Lake Michigan. The major pollutants of Sycamore Creek are sediment, phosphorus, nitrogen, and pesticides. Sediment deposition is adversely affecting fish and macroinvertebrate habitat and depleting oxygen in the water column due to BOD demand. Sycamore Creek was selected for monitoring not because of any unique characteristics, but because it is representative of creeks throughout lower Michigan. The Haines subwatershed, where some BMPs had already been installed, was the control and is outside the Sycamore Creek watershed.