Project Spotlight: Meadow Creek Wet Meadow Restoration Project
Volunteers with a completed rock structure
About the Project
The State Land Board partnered with Wildlands Restoration Volunteers (WRV) to design and implement a wet meadow restoration project on the Cherokee Park - Meadow Creek property.
The project has two primary objectives: to address wet meadow erosion issues on a tributary to Meadow Creek (which flows to Halligan Reservoir) and to provide a training opportunity for WRV crew leaders in process-based-restoration techniques. These techniques have been used throughout the west to preserve and restore important habitats. A storymap created by WRV explains these techniques.
Why are wet meadows important?
These meadows – their vegetation and accompanying insects – provide critical habitat and food for many species of wildlife including ungulates, birds and insects. During snowmelt and rain events, water can run slowly across these sloping meadows as sheet flow, soaking into the ground, which acts as a sponge – holding the water in place and slowly releasing it throughout the season. This stored water supports wetland vegetation and sustains the wet meadows.
These wet meadows are essential for several iconic species including deer, pronghorn and elk. Pools found within the wet meadows are a vital water source for various animals and provide the perfect habitat for aquatic insects, snakes, and frogs, including the threatened Northern Leopard Frog. Migratory and resident bird species also rely on this habitat. One of these being the Greater Sage Grouse; a species of special concern in Colorado.
Project Impact
This past June, WRV staff, crew leaders, and intrepid volunteers participated in a training day and two work days. They completed 11 structures to prevent headcuts from advancing and utilize sediment to restore the grade of a tributary to Meadow Creek. The project was funded by a private WRV donor and supported by CPW and the Colorado State Land Board. Shawn Connor, Restoration Ecologist with BIO-Logic, Inc. designed the project and provided the training.
Year two of the project will be implemented in 2026 and future years are dependent on funding.
Headcut before rock structure installation
Headcut after rock structure installation
