KSU Students' Environmental Study Raises Concerns at Sandy Springs Creeks

Bank erosion, high E. coli counts, and weakened tree roots are some of the concerning findings at Marsh Creek and Long Island Creek by Kennesaw State University students.

Recent storms have caused an increase in nitrate levels and dissolved oxygen at both sites, students said. The students are certified by Georgia Adopt-A-Stream. 

“These were things our community partner, the Watershed Alliance of Sandy Springs can actually use and take before the City Council of Sandy Springs to help them better manage the watershed,” said Mark Patterson, in a video on the study. He is a professor and coordinator of the Environmental Studies program at KSU.

Students in the Watershed Assessment and Analysis course presented findings during a community presentation by the Watershed Alliance of Sandy Springs, Tuesday, at the North Fulton Annex on Roswell Road. 

Marsh Creek is 3,606 acres. Long Island Creek is 4,224 acres. Several points along the sites had yard waste from lawn clippings. Others had trash from illegal dumping and invasive species. 

“Your lawn clippings do not belong in the creek,” a student said.

Student Matt Jackson’s group found English Ivy, which can choke trees, and privet at Long Island Creek on Jett Ferry between Crest Valley Drive and N. Island Drive. 

“Some of our concerns obviously include erosion and undercutting of the bank, which is causing root exposure,” Jackson said. “And with that it weakens the trees’ foundation and potentially a tree could fall. 

Trees had fallen across the stream in another area of the creek. 

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Also visit the Watershed Alliance of Sandy Springs website.