Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association

Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association's work started in our founder's backyard and has evolved to encompass a diverse community of individuals and neighborhoods. Like the water we're working so hard to protect, our story has a single source, but with dozens of tributaries flowing towards a single goal: A healthy watershed. 

ECWA was founded in 1999 by Steve Hiltner, a botanist and stay-at-home dad who lived in the Watts-Hillandale neighborhood and frequented Indian Trail Park. On walks with his daughter, Steve was drawn to a part of the park that straddled Ellerbe Creek, and discovered that many of the plants were exotic weeds, not the plants and shrubs native to the area. So, Steve got permission to plant native species along the creek. 

Steve was impressed by the level of civic engagement in Watts-Hillandale and knew he could count on the goodwill of neighbors to heal the creek and strengthen the neighborhood. In April 1999, with the help of concerned citizens throughout the community, ECWA was officially born. 

Since then, the organization has gone from protecting 6 acres to 450 acres, including five public preserves, and has developed powerful initiatives aimed at restoring the creek, engaging with the community, and advocating for the future health of the watershed. 

ECWA envisions a thriving Ellerbe Creek watershed where conservation, accessibility, and community engagement converge to safeguard natural resources and enhance public well-being. 

ECWA currently has 3 main Programs:

- Land Conservation Program: Aims to enhance the health and biodiversity of the Ellerbe Creek Watershed within and beyond our protected lands. By removing invasive plant species, and following active management plans, we create conditions for native plants and animals to thrive. 

- Community Engagement Program: Aims to engage Durham residents in our neighborhood watershed and creek. Working to collaboratively shape conservation objectives through a community based process, ensuring that all of our programming is built to increase access, participation, and benefit to marginalized communities. 

-Land Protection Program: Aims to work with local landowners and local & state government agencies to permanently protect land in the Ellerbe Creek Watershed. This work will aid in ensuring that future generations may continue to enjoy these protected spaces.