Take a Walk at Ivy Creek
Peninsula Trail
A Walk Through a Riparian Habitat
Bench 4. South Fork Rivanna Reservoir
The Peninsula Trail lies along the part of the South Fork Rivanna Reservoir (SFRR) that was formerly Ivy Creek. Created in 1966, the reservoir began experiencing eutrophication (nutrient overload) as early as 1970 with much of the pollution as well as sedimentation coming from the many tributaries associated with its large watershed. Rezoning and management policies helped to improve water quality. However, the SFRR continues to lose 15 million gallons of capacity (1%) each year to sedimentation, as evidenced by its muddy color after a rain and by the emerging silt islands that grow larger each year (see photo below.)
The SFRR watershed falls almost entirely within the County of Albemarle, putting prime responsibility for its care in local hands. The most important source of protection for the SFRR ecosystem is natural forest. Forests produce the cleanest flow of water possible. The leaves of the forest as well as roots and leaf litter intercept rainwater reducing its impact on soil, stream bank erosion, and flooding. Forest flora and organic material bind nutrients and other polluting chemicals preventing contamination of the drinking water.
Protection of the natural forest is imperative to assure a clean and safe drinking water supply.
As you walk the Peninsula Trail, notice the "islands"
formed
in recent years by silt deposition.
Everything you always wanted to know about the
South Fork Rivanna Reservoir
South Fork Rivanna Reservoir
