NC State University Stream Restoration Program

Rocky Branch is an urban creek that runs more than a mile through the heart of the NC State University campus. It drains into Walnut Creek, which is a tributary of the Neuse River. The stream was narrow, deep, suffering from severe erosion and is an unsafe eyesore on the campus. As a result, NC Sea Grant and NC State University are implementing a three-phase stream restoration and greenway plan to renovate Rocky Branch. The ultimate goal of the project is to create a safe and accessible outdoor teaching laboratory. The restoration strives to stabilize the creek; improve water quality, aquatic and wildlife habitat; and integrate the creek into the campus environment.

Using natural channel design techniques, the restoration allows the stream to meander through a newly created floodplain. 6000 feet of greenway path are being installed along the restored creek to provide a transportation alternative and bring people close to the creek. A pedestrian underpass at Pullen Road allows safe passage for pedestrians and wildlife beneath a major thoroughfare. The underpass connects the path to Pullen Park and the City of Raleigh Greenway System. Interpretative signs installed along the greenway explain the restoration concepts.