brandy branch stream restoration in progress on banner farm road (april, 2026)
A streambank restoration is in progress on Brandy Branch. This important tributary of the Mills River has been impacted by development along its entire length. Prior to the project, the stream on this property had steep, eroded banks meaning that in times of high water, the stream increased velocity and erosion. The purpose of the project is to lower the gradient of both banks, remove invasive plants and allow the stream room to widen and slow in times of high water by giving the stream additional access to the floodplain. Planting with native riparian species to shade the water and stabilize the banks will occur at the end of the project within the protected riparian buffers. In total, the project will restore 950 linear feet of Brandy Branch.
A streambank restoration is in progress on Brandy Branch. This important tributary of the Mills River has been impacted by development along its entire length. Prior to the project, the stream on this property had steep, eroded banks meaning that in times of high water, the stream increased velocity and erosion. The purpose of the project is to lower the gradient of both banks, remove invasive plants and allow the stream room to widen and slow in times of high water by giving the stream additional access to the floodplain. Planting with native riparian species to shade the water and stabilize the banks will occur at the end of the project within the protected riparian buffers. In total, the project will restore 950 linear feet of Brandy Branch.
Project funding has been provided by the North Carolina Land and Water Fund (NCLWF) and the project is being done on property owned by the Blue Ridge Humane Society. Project design was done by Henderson County Soil & Water Conservation District. Conserving Carolina will hold the conservation easement on the restored riparian buffer following the project.
Project funding has been provided by the North Carolina Land and Water Fund (NCLWF) and the project is being done on property owned by the Blue Ridge Humane Society. Project design was done by Henderson County Soil & Water Conservation District. Conserving Carolina will hold the conservation easement on the restored riparian buffer following the project.
If you have any questions or concerns about this project, please email Duncan Blair at [email protected]
Spotlight on Best Management Practices
Best Management Practices (BMPs) are projects that protect water quality. Mills River Partnership has a long history of working with Mills River farmers and other landowners to implement agricultural, stormwater, and stream related BMPs, such as:
- Agricultural spray sheds
- Grassed waterways and field borders
- Stormwater ponds
- Road stabilization projects
- Stream and river bank stabilization projects
“I’m working with the Mills River Partnership because they are building bridges, working for water quality and also supporting local farmers.”
Jason Davis, North River Farms
Foster Creek Stream Restoration
The Foster Creek Restoration Project is a multi-year and multi-phase effort of the Mills River Partnership spearheaded by Executive Director Maria Wise in conjunction with Living Web Farms and a team of biologists, local farmers, and other supporters of the Mills River watershed. Check out our video series on the project!
Our Current Project Sites
Use the interactive map below to see all of our past and current project sites.