Anderson County Parks Benefit from Bioengineering

By Amy O. Maxwell, USDA-NRCS 
Public Affairs Specialist

Two parks in Anderson County now have a new look thanks to an energized partnership. Darwin Wright and Cater’s Lake Parks were the locations of a recent shoreline stabilization demonstration project. The project was a joint effort of local, state, and federal agencies, and people in Anderson County are reaping the benefits. The project was coordinated by the Anderson Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) along with Clemson University ’s Shoreline Restoration Research Project, with technical and financial assistance provided by the City of Anderson (Parks and Street Departments), USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the Foothills Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council.

Last April, the Anderson SWCD and Dr. Larry Dyck, Clemson University Shoreline Restoration Research Project coordinator, approached the City of Anderson about installing bioengineering demonstrations around Darwin Wright and Cater’s Lakes. The shoreline restoration project was initiated to help heal the scars of erosion which marred both of the lakes. Undercut banks created large ravines and unsightly erosion. Despite being an eyesore, the erosion was causing even bigger problems for water quality.

When soil around a lake or pond is not stabilized by plant roots or other materials, non-point source pollution is the result. This means that polluted water runs off into nearby streams and other water sources. The solution to this pollution is actually quite simple! Basically, the rule of thumb is that a naturally vegetated shoreline is crucial to a lake's health. Vegetation along these lakes acts as lungs and kidneys, filtering out harmful pollutants, protecting and beautifying the public parks, and enhancing fish and wildlife habitat. Using bioengineering (a mixture of plants and other reinforcing materials), the shoreline around these water bodies was healed.

At Cater’s Lake , 500 feet of shoreline were stabilized using recycled materials donated by the City of Anderson . The eroded shoreline was then stabilized with over 250 native plants and mulched with ground brush and tree limbs. Materials used at both projects included filter fabrics and native plants such as Switch grass. “The long roots of Switch grass are an excellent way of holding soil in place along a shoreline,” explained Dyck. “There are many benefits of introducing natural materials into the shoreline, and it’s more of a permanent solution as opposed to using manmade materials which need to be replaced.”

At Darwin Wright Park , 250 feet of shoreline was rebuilt using soil brought in by the county. Switch grass was then plugged into filter fabric, and rocks were used to anchor the plants. Foothills RC&D Council Chairman Wes Cooler said, “With the rapid growth of Anderson County , it’s important that we remember the importance of maintaining and protecting open spaces like these parks, which are in the middle of the city.” He said the demonstration projects will not only protect these areas and nearby water sources, but may also encourage homeowners around the lake to the do the same. “I hope that homeowners who live along the shoreline will see this project and realize that they can also make a difference by stabilizing their own shoreline.” Dave Demarest emphasized those thoughts by saying, “We are trying to show the general public the big picture in that it’s important to protect soil and water resources and that it is everyone’s responsibility to do their part.”

Mike Banks, NRCS District Conservationist for Anderson County , recently welcomed project partners and others to an unveiling of the project sign at Darwin Wright Park . “This sign will hopefully educate park visitors and Anderson County residents about the project and help them realize the role that we all play in soil and water conservation.” He also recognized the Anderson County Legislative Delegation for providing cost-share funds from the Water Recreation Fund to install the project.

For more information, or to find out how you can protect the shoreline, contact your local USDA Service Center , or call the Clemson University Shoreline Restoration Research Project at (864) 656-3583.