Clinton River Watershed Council, Pure Oakland Water, City of the Village of Clarkston, and Friends of Depot Park worked together to replant and restore the Depot Park river bank. Photo by Phil Custodio

Local water conservationists joined city officials and residents to celebrate the restoration of 2,400 square feet and the planting of 1,500 native plants along the west bank of the Depot Park Mill Race, April 26.
“This is amazing work,” said City Manager Jonathan Smith. “The trees, shrubs, and other plants were out of control previously. You couldn’t see the concerts from this side of the river.”
Severe erosion was also sending sediments into the stream leading to degraded water quality and habitat, said Eric Diesing, ecologist, Clinton River Watershed Council.
The project was funded by Pure Oakland Water, and completed in partnership with the City of the Village of Clarkston and Friends of Depot Park.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to do something to help,” said Jim Nash of Pure Oakland Water, who was there with Anne Vaara. “We’re proud to be a part of it.”
To restore the stream bank, 1,500 native plants of 25 different varieties were placed to provide filtration of stormwater, serve as a wildlife habitat and to beautify the area with wildflowers throughout the growing season. The vegetation was selected based on the ability to control erosion and thrive in the environment with little effort. The condition of stream bank will continue to improve as seasons pass and the native plants mature in their new home, Diesing said.
The Clinton River watershed covers 760 square miles through four counties, Oakland, Macomb, Lapeer, and St. Clair, flowing through 63 communities before reaching Lake St. Clair.
– Phil Custodio