Middle Creek rediscovers its curves

Reconstruction of 195^th Street/County Hwy 64 provided an opportunity to remeander Middle Creek – put a half-mile reach back to its natural condition. In the past, the stream was straightened to make space for farmland, roads, and buildings. However, the straight channel caused erosion and choked the stream with sediment. Remeandering, or putting the normal curves back in the stream, creates natural stream functions, allows for flood control, and improves stream habitat.

The stream runs through Farmington Area Public School (District 192) property – walking distance to Meadowview Elementary School. Students can learn the history of this section of Middle Creek, benefits of a meandering stream, and hunt for specific plants (i.e. Big Bluestem grass or Joe Pye Weed) and wildlife (i.e. dragonflies or frogs).

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provided a grant for the restoration project, with contributions from the VRWJPO, and a partnership with Dakota County and District 192.