January 2016.
Throughout Dallas, much of the upper reaches of natural creeks were filled in or covered over and converted to underground storm drains as the city grew more urbanized.
In Northaven Park, we are fortunate to retain the natural channel of Joe’s Creek, readily accessible to residents and to the public. Looking forward in the New Year, one can envision either a creek that continues to attract and support wildlife with clean water or a channel increasingly contaminated by pollutants in storm water runoff. For a detailed article on the impact of storm water runoff, see Opinion: For Cities’ Sake, Address Stormwater Infrastructure, a Texas Tribune article by Sara E. Smith, Dec. 29, 2015.
Which version of the creek prevails will depend on our continued vigilance and preservation efforts, both on an individual basis and in initiatives supported and implemented by the City of Dallas.
Individually, we can practice organic gardening, avoiding the use of chemical pesticides and excessive fertilizer. Natural landscaping that features native plants with relatively deep roots can slow runoff and require less watering. Rain barrels can collect and conserve water for later use in the landscape.
We can encourage the City to consider incentives to replace turf grass with native plants. One can see an increasing number of examples of native plantings in our neighborhood’s landscapes.
The City can also incorporate best storm water design into new paving projects, such as the planned Trinity Trail extension that will pass through Northaven Park.
Let’s plan and act so that Joe’s Creek will continue to be a welcoming site for wildlife…and a place of enjoyment for residents and visitors.
Vince Punaro, Creek Event Leader