Bloomington, Indiana Naturalizes Creek Bank to Manage Stormwater and Establish Native Plants

The City of Bloomington began a creek naturalization project in 2002 to address significant erosion caused by intense storm water pressure and to enhance biodiversity in a popular local park. Through partnerships with local organizations, the City reduced flooding impacts, improved water quality and increased plant and animal species diversity in the improvement area. The project supported Bloomington’s Community Wildlife Habitat certification application through the National Wildlife Foundation. Fully naturalizing 0.3 miles of creek bed cost $45,000 over two years and was largely funded through a local neighborhood improvement grant.