Hunnicutt Creek: History and Stream Health
Impairments to the Hunnicutt Creek watershed stem primarily from past land management practices. These practices have severely impacted the physical and ecological processes of the creek. Additionally, past land-use practices have reduced the aesthetic value of this amazing resource. Clemson University’s campus history of past to present land management is one of heavy agrarian use to one of increased urbanization.
Coastal Research & Education Center
Agricultural practices of the late 19th and early 20th century involved the straightening of stream channels to increase arable land resulting in deeply incised creek channels. These alterations limited floodplain accessibility of stormwater leading to increasing streambank and streambed erosion.
Ravines
Edisto REC contains 2,354 acres of row crop, pasture, and forested land in the coastal plain of South Carolina, providing the ability to investigate many diverse areas of agriculture. Scientists at Edisto REC regularly collaborate with growers and industry professionals throughout South Carolina and beyond to conduct on-farm and on-station replicated trials and demonstrations. The research conducted at Edisto REC helps South Carolina farmers operate more profitably and more sustainably.
Highly Impacted Creek Channel
Photo illustrating the current condition of North Hunnicutt Creek, 2017.
The development of the watershed and influence on adjoining stream channels has negatively impacted stream and floodplain function, thereby severely limiting biological integrity. Previous land management techniques that include channel modification, clearing of vegetation, and introduction of aggressive exotic species have also compromised the physical and ecological integrity.
Research History
Various research projects within the Hunnicutt Creek watershed have been pursued over the years. The completion of Clemson’s Riparian Corridor Master Plan in 2006, restoration work on Hunnicutt’s lower reaches in 2013, enhancement of the Hunnicutt’s wetland in 2014, and Reach 1 of 7 stream restoration projects on North Hunnicutt Creek in 2019 have sparked more consistent research within the watershed in recent years.
Sandhill Research & Education Center
