Gum Spring Creek Restoration

Healthy waterways are necessary for successful ecosystems, which is why we’re restoring a previously neglected stream right at our entryway. By removing invasive species, creating the Nature Playscape, and revitalizing the streambank, we’re restoring water quality that flows into the Lookout Creek watershed. Many thanks to QuikTrip and Mark Ray for their efforts!

Healthy waterways are necessary for successful ecosystems, which is why we’re restoring a previously neglected stream right at our entryway. It might not look like much from the road, but the work we’re doing here will be the most important project yet undertaken to restore water quality in the Lookout Creek watershed.

Gum Spring Creek runs through National Park land upslope from us, under Garden Road, and then onto our land just past our main sign by the after-hours parking area. The natural flow had been narrowed and diverted into a culvert under the road, speeding up stormwaters and causing extensive erosion and habitat degradation. Several years ago, we began to restore the creek’s natural floodplain by removing an infestation of invasive plants. Soon after, we created the Nature PlayScape to provide children with open space for nature-based play.

We then planted hundreds of wetland-adapted native trees. Later, in 2024, QuikTrip funded a streambank stabilization project implemented by natural resourses consultant Mark Ray. Extensive earth and rock work slowed the water, creating central pools and preventing further streambank erosion. We’re adding deep-rooted plants adapted to our region that will now hold soil in place and have already begun to provide better habitat. We welcome the return of beneficial insects, birds, and wildlife, evidence of the success of our restoration efforts.