Since 2003, the students of the Illick’s Mill Project, with help from volunteers, Bethlehem Parks Department, and one of the Partnership's consortium members --- Monocacy Creek Watershed Association -- have taken on the challenge of restoring Monocacy Creek. The project’s main goal is to return Monocacy Creek to its natural state. The activities carried out thus far have resulted in the addition of 300 plus native plants to the Creek’s streambed. Although the project has yet to reach its final goal, the continual hard work and dedication of everyone involved provides a promising future for the restoration of Monocacy Creek.

Actions we have taken to protect and improve water quality:

• Created a list of recommendations for the creek’s protection.
• Analyzed longitudinal changes
• Identified sections of the creek that require additional native stream bank plantings to shade the creek
• Identified sections of the creek that require narrowing to increase flow rates
• Started to remove creosote soaked railroad ties to improve water quality
• Presented our plans to the Parks and Public Property Committee
• Received publicity in both local newspapers (The Morning Call and The Express Times)
• Tested and continue to test the creek’s water twice a week

Actions we have take with help from Land Studies Inc.

• Created a design for the creek’s restoration
• Researched the creek’s soil
• Researched the shapes and sizes of rocks in the creek
• Located most beneficial locations for “random boulder” placement

Actions we plan to take:

• Create more wetland areas
• Random boulder placement
• Create planting zones:
  • Zone I: Channel bottom- high energy
  • Zone II: Transition slope- tall fescue seed mix
  • Zone III: Trees and Shrubs- riparian buffer
• Establish cross-vane at elevation (grade) of stream bed
• Anchor boulders to the bank full elevation
• Coordinate reassessment of the 100-year-floodplain

Actions that are ongoing:

• Daily water testing