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Stream Reforestation
 Urban streams have become the focus of restoration efforts in many parts of the country. Communities increasingly recognize the value of healthy aquatic systems within urban areas and are taking steps to improve the quality of their degraded streams. These efforts also enhance the urban environment and provide recreational areas.
Through its various programs, the City's Stormwater Management Division addresses water pollution and improves the quality of Greensboro's streams. The implementation of vegetated stream buffers is one important step toward reducing pollutants in our streams. Stream buffers filter pollutants, shade and cool the water, provide channel stability, and provide storage for flood waters. Stream buffers also allow for the development of natural stream meanders, increase the diversity of aquatic life, provide areas for recreational opportunities, filter air and noise pollution, and enhance wildlife habitat.
In the past, many of Greensboro's stream corridors on public property were mowed on a periodic basis by Parks & Recreation staff. This practice gave the appearance of a manicured, park-like setting. Although this may be aesthetically pleasing to certain residents, mowing stream corridors is detrimental to water quality and the stream's ecosystem. In 1994, Greensboro adopted a "no mow" policy to help improve water quality by allowing vegetation to grow up along City streams.
 Stormwater Management facilitated a committee of community representatives to develop and provide recommendations for implementation of stream channel buffers on public property. In 1999 the committee finalized its "Stream Maintenance Guidelines," a revised approach to the original "no mow."
Stream corridor buffers use a two-zoned approach. Zone One is the streamside buffer that consists of woody vegetation and shrubbery of up to 50 feet on each side of the stream in most cases. Zone Two is located outside the area of woody vegetation and consists primarily of turf grass and currently existing vegetation.
Nearly 18,000 trees have been planted in 32 park areas in various communities. Within the buffer area, native tree species were planted to help "jump start" the weedy growth of the buffer area. Stream banks look "brushy" until trees can mature. As the trees mature, the vegetated stream buffers will become a treasured community asset and help protect our valuable water resources. For the duration of the project, there will be limited ongoing maintenance to control invasive vines and competing vegetation. View map of location sites (pdf).
Stream Reforestation Sites
- Arboretum / Lindley Park
- Ardmore
- Bingham
- Bluford
- British Woods
- Bywood
- Cone Blvd.
- Cumberland
- Greenhaven
- Greentree
- Hampton
- Hannaford
- Hunter Hills
- Kersey Natural Area
- Kings Forest
- Lake Daniel
- Latham
- Lindley
- Murchie Street
- O’Henry Oaks
- Randleman Road
- Revolution
- Rolling Roads
- Shannon Hills
- Shannon Woods
- Southmont
- Spring Valley Natural Area
- Textile Drive
- The Canyon (Barber Park area)
- Twin Lakes
- Woodlea Lakes
- Woodmere
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