Reach 1
This reach runs near the Bucknell Art Barn and mods. As of now, this area floods regularly when it rains. Before settlement, this part of the stream consisted of a multi-threaded channel. Since being confined to a single channel, the reach dries up regularly, but floods rapidly when it rains. This reach can be restored by splitting the stream into several smaller channels and including a rain garden to retain water. Both of these actions would increase the stream’s flood plain and play a role in preventing flooding. It would also increase the amount of area available for aquatic and terrestrial species.
Reach 2
This reach runs from Art Barn Drive to the fairways of the Bucknell Golf Club.
Channelized and confined, this part of this stream was manipulated to suit the needs of the Lewisburg community. This channelization is detrimental towards stream health and increased flooding in times of heavy rain. This flooding is impounded by storm drainage pipes on campus. These pipes transport water straight into the stream instead of letting the water gradually enter the ground. Only by improving the upstream portions of Miller Run can we begin to improve the downstream reaches. By returning the stream to a multi-threaded nature, stream quality will improve. Added vegetation will improve filtration. Floodplains will connect and flooding will reduce. Structures impeding the stream’s flow must also be removed. This includes a Bucknell-created coal fill and a berm that cuts the channel off from a floodplain. In the Bucknell Golf Club, the channel must be unearthed.
Reach 3
Once existing solely as and underground and pipe-constricted channel, reach 3 of Miller Run has been restored by removing the drainage pipe underground and recreating its natural banks. The area close to the banks has been allowed to grow freely and the restoration has increased the flood plain of the stream. Native vegetation was also planted in this area. This increases the filtration of the stream’s waters, improving water quality. Forest buffers also increase flood water storage capacity.
Reach 4
Reach 4 of Miller Run has been restored by recreating its natural banks. By including marshes and wetland vegetation, water can be stored in the stream system. The increased flood plain caused by its restoration has played a role in preventing flooding.
Click here to see what we can do in the future to restore Miller Run