GREENVILLE, S.C. — A recent grant from the Duke Energy Water Resources Fund will help improve the water quality of Vaughn’s Creek, the primary water source for the town of Landrum.
The construction of the two dams and the road at Blue Wall Preserve both pre-date the Conservancy’s ownership of the property.
The dams were assessed for removal or repair in order to address eroded spillways and mature trees growing out of the dams.
The road was plagued with holes and erosion. In addition to being a hazard for preserve visitors, the holes were carrying eroded sediment directly into Vaughn’s Creek. A local contractor used more than 10 tons of rip rap and gravel to make the repairs.
“We often say that protecting land is just the beginning, and Blue Wall is a great example of that,” said Kristen Austin, Upstate conservation director for the Conservancy in South Carolina. “We’re grateful to Duke Energy Water Resources Fund for helping us steward this property well and make it the best possible experience for our visitors and best possible protection for our drinking water.”
More information about Blue Wall Preserve, including directions, hours and trail information, can be found at https://nature.org/SCpreserves.