Walnut Creek is one of Cary's most important natural waterways. Beginning in Downtown Cary, it flows east through Raleigh before joining the Neuse River, making it part of a watershed shared by multiple communities.

The Walnut Creek Stream Stabilization & Revegetation Project is a long-term investment in protecting this important environmental corridor. Using nature-based stormwater solutions, the project will stabilize eroding streambanks, enhance native vegetation, reduce localized flood risk, improve water quality, and strengthen the creek's natural ability to withstand future storms.

By protecting Walnut Creek today, Cary is protecting its own residents while helping improve water quality and flood resilience for downstream communities throughout the watershed.

Over time, increased stormwater runoff has caused portions of Walnut Creek to become deeply eroded and unstable. As streambanks erode, sediment and pollutants are carried downstream, aquatic habitat is degraded, and nearby infrastructure and property become more vulnerable to flooding and erosion.

Stabilizing Walnut Creek will:

• Reduce localized flood risk
• Stabilize eroding streambanks
• Improve water quality
• Restore native vegetation and wildlife habitat
• Protect a continuous environmental corridor
• Increase the creek's resilience to future storms
• Improve conditions for downstream communities throughout the watershed

Healthy streams are part of Cary's natural infrastructure. Investing in their resilience helps protect both people and the environment while creating long-term community benefits.

Rather than relying solely on traditional infrastructure, this project uses nature-based solutions—approaches that work with natural systems to manage stormwater while improving environmental health.

Potential practices include:

• Streambank stabilization using natural channel design techniques
• Native tree and vegetation planting
• Floodplain acquisition and restoration
• Habitat restoration for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife
• Revegetation of disturbed streambanks

Rather than forcing the stream into a fixed channel, these approaches enhance Walnut Creek's natural ability to safely convey stormwater while supporting healthy ecosystems. Nature-based solutions also help reduce erosion, improve water quality, create wildlife habitat, and build resilience to larger storm events.

The Walnut Creek Stream Stabilization & Revegetation Project extends from the creek's headwaters in Downtown Cary to Buck Jones Road, where Cary's municipal boundary meets Raleigh.

The project has been divided into two phases based primarily on property ownership and project readiness.

The first phase focuses on the upper reaches of Walnut Creek, extending from Downtown Cary to Trinity Road near Fenton.

This work establishes the foundation for long-term revitalization while helping preserve a continuous environmental corridor along Walnut Creek.

The second phase continues downstream from Trinity Road to Buck Jones Road at Cary's municipal boundary with Raleigh.

This phase will protect vulnerable stream reaches while identifying additional opportunities for future investment.

Funding, Schedule & Project Status

The Walnut Creek Stream Stabilization & Revegetation Project is supported through two EPA Community Project Funding awards, with matching funds provided by the Town of Cary.

Phase 1 (FY24 EPA Community Project Funding)

Current Status

• EPA funding awarded
• Awaiting execution of the grant agreement with EPA
• Anticipated project start: Fourth Quarter 2026
• Estimated completion: Third Quarter 2030

Phase 2 (FY26 EPA Community Project Funding)

 
Current Status

• EPA Community Project Funding awarded
• EPA grant application currently under development
• Anticipated project start: Third/Fourth Quarter 2027
• Estimated completion: Second Quarter 2030

Project Highlights

• $3.76 million invested in Walnut Creek resilience
• More than $3 million in EPA Community Project Funding secured for the project
• Stabilizes one of Cary's most environmentally significant stream corridors
• Improves water quality within the Walnut Creek and Neuse River watersheds
• Reduces flood risk through nature-based solutions
• Protects and enhances habitat for native plants and wildlife
• Supports long-term environmental stewardship for downstream communities

Looking Ahead

The Walnut Creek Stream Stabilization & Revegetation Project represents a long-term investment in Cary's natural infrastructure. By enhancing stream function, protecting water quality, and reducing flood risk, the project will create lasting environmental, economic, and community benefits.

As work progresses through planning, design, property acquisition, and construction, the project will help ensure that Walnut Creek remains a healthy, resilient natural resource for residents today and for future generations.

Contact

Questions? Contact Cary 311 by dialing 311 in Town limits, 919-469-4000 outside Town limits, or sending a 311 request.