Glacier Creek Preserve Stream and Wetland Bank Project Reaches Exciting Milestone

OMAHA, NE – With construction complete and the area successfully seeded, Glacier Creek Preserve Stream and Wetland Bank near Omaha, Nebraska boasts the restoration of a 100-acre floodplain ecosystem that connects to an existing, upland native prairie (Allwine Prairie), the reconnection of 4,200 feet of stream channel with their floodplain, and a pedestrian bridge for the existing trail system. The project, a partnership of the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District (PMRNRD) and the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), now enters its final phase – a five-year monitoring effort.

“In addition to its environmental impacts, Glacier Creek serves as an important education and research area for the community,” shared Benesch Group Manager Andy Miller. “It’s been incredible to be a part of this restoration project and to help ensure Glacier Creek remains a healthy asset to the environment for years to come.”

Benesch led the planning, design, permitting and construction observation of the project to enhance the 100-acre area/parcel of Glacier Creek Preserve. The project included the restoration of two perennial streams and one ephemeral stream; creation and restoration of 17 acres of wetlands; enhancement of three acres of slope wetlands; and the reconstruction of 57 acres of lowland prairie.

The project significantly improves the natural, educational and research value of the area along with providing the wetland and stream mitigation banking credits to the P-MRNRD.