Protecting Chisholm Creek, an Urban Waterway

Google Map of Chisholm Creek

Chisholm Creek forms the eastern property line on our acreage. I think it is the most important feature of our property. It’s wildlife, huge trees and fertile bottom soil give the property unique value. The creek flows constantly as is mostly clear. It rages and sometimes floods when heavy rain falls. It is a torrent then, and scours the creek banks and causes major erosion and bank collapse.

Ducks and turkey love the creek. Deer and racoons abound too. We have seen bobcat, coyote and fox next to the creek. It is amazingly close to town too. The creek actually begins in town and bisects the north side of Oklahoma City. I think the nearly 100 ponds and embankments on the tributaries make the stream run clear and run while it is dry. Homes are like people, they are drawn to water. Most of these embankments and ponds are encircled by homes, leaving little or no space for the wild creek.

Can a creek like Chisholm Creek be protected as a waterway? Can we leave this last vestige of nature in better condition year after year? Or will it be paved over? It is only 15 miles long before it joins Cottonwood Creek in Logan county. Even while it seems like a possible task, how can it be done before it’s covered up?

I wonder what kinds of community action could be taken to preserve and improve the wild Chisholm Creek for this and future generations?