Today, School Girls' Glen receives much stormwater runoff from its urbanized watershed that includes much of Forest Hill Cemetery and nearby rooftops, parking lots and roads. Historically, this water slowly filtered through the ground, creating seeps along the hillsides. Now, much of that water comes into the Glen via stormwater pipes as rushing torrents after a rain.
 
The fast-moving water has undercut the stream banks, causing the slopes to be destabilized and collapse into the Glen. Large trees have fallen, taking much of the hillside with them. It is estimated that an average of one cubic yard of soil per day, over the past 35 years, has washed from School Girls' Glen into the Huron River!
 
We are working to reverse the damage that has occurred over the years. The project uses biotechnical erosion control methods, that is, using plants and structural materials like boulders to stabilize slopes and help prevent erosion.
 
This trail highlights the measures that are being taken to stabilize the banks of School Girls' Glen and the Huron River to prevent further erosion and keep the Huron River clean. Enjoy!
 
The Clean Water Trail is a self-guided trail tour of the erosion control projects in School Girls' Glen and throughout Nichols Arboretum. Trail guides are available at the James D. Reader Center near the Washington Heights entrance.

The Clean Water Trail is at the Nichols Arboretum.

The Clean Water Trail project was made possible by a grant from the Great Lakes Commission and through a working partnership with the Huron River Watershed Council.

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