Stream Restoration Begins at Historic Bridge

Native Plantings Mark the First Phase of a Long-Term Stream Restoration Effort

November 2025

The Paunacussing Watershed Association reached an important milestone last year with the completion of the first phase of a riparian buffer restoration project along the Paunacussing Creek near the historic Carversville Bridge. Working with local property owners and restoration professionals, volunteers established a diverse buffer of native trees to begin stabilizing an eroding streambank and restoring the natural functions of this important section of the watershed. The project is intended to improve water quality, strengthen wildlife habitat, and help protect one of the creek's most historically significant bridges.

Status: 🟢 Phase One completed. Planning continues for a larger stream restoration project.

Why This Matters

For many years, repeated flooding has reshaped this reach of the Paunacussing Creek. Severe bank erosion and the buildup of sediment have altered the natural flow of the stream, accelerated erosion, reduced habitat quality, and affected the way water moves through the three arches of the historic stone bridge. These changes have created one of the watershed's highest-priority restoration sites.

The restoration project will:

• Stabilize streambanks with native vegetation

• Improve water quality

• Restore habitat for birds and pollinators

• Protect the historic Paunacussing Bridge

• Prepare the site for future restoration

A Phased Approach to Restoration

The first phase focused on establishing a native riparian buffer to help stabilize the streambank, reduce erosion, improve water quality, and restore wildlife habitat.

This planting effort is just the beginning. Working with Princeton Hydro and Solebury Township, the Paunacussing Watershed Association has developed conceptual plans for a larger restoration project that addresses the underlying causes of erosion, sediment buildup, and altered stream flow near the historic bridge.

The proposed project has been submitted as the pilot restoration site in our Growing Greener grant application. If funding is awarded, it will become the first of several high-priority stream restoration projects planned throughout the Paunacussing Watershed..

Looking Ahead

If Growing Greener funding is awarded, this project will become the first of several high-priority restoration efforts throughout the watershed. By combining sound science, native vegetation, and stream restoration, PWA is building a healthier, more resilient Paunacussing Creek for future generations.