Valley Creek Corridor Restoration: Reconnecting Port Washington to Lake Michigan
City of Port Washington & Lakeshore natural Resource Partnership
A Vision for a Healthier & More Resilient Port Washington
The Valley Creek Corridor extends nearly two miles from the scenic Birchwood Hills Nature Area to Veterans’ Memorial Park on the Lake Michigan shoreline. This vital greenway connects neighborhoods to Port Washington’s lakefront, harbor, and downtown. This area serves as both a natural refuge and a community recreation asset.
However, decades of increased rainfall, urban runoff, and streambank erosion have threatened the creek’s health and surrounding infrastructure. The Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP), in collaboration with the City of Port Washington, is leading a comprehensive watershed restoration project designed to make this corridor more resilient, biodiverse, and sustainable for generations to come.
Project Goals
Restore 1.9 miles of stream and riparian habitat along Valley Creek.
Reduce flooding and sedimentation, protecting infrastructure and property.
Improve water quality flowing into Lake Michigan.
Enhance fish, bird, and pollinator habitats, increasing biodiversity.
Reconnect residents to the creek through public access and engagement.
Build climate resilience through sustainable urban watershed design.
A Collaborative Approach to Climate Resilience
The project embraces permaculture and regenerative design principles, creating a living example of how watershed-scale planning can strengthen both natural ecosystems and urban infrastructure. By restoring over 55 acres of riparian and wetland habitat, the Valley Creek Corridor will support migratory birds, pollinators, and Great Lakes fish species, while providing a healthier environment for residents.
View the Complete Project
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Download the two page project summary.