From Stream to Shoreline
- Gracie Grimes ~ ECO Americorps Member
- Apr 23
- 3 min read
When we think about what makes Saint Albans Bay special, we often picture the open water, the marshes, and the sweeping views across the lake. But feeding into this bay is a network of quiet, hardworking streams that often go unnoticed, despite playing an essential role in the health of the entire ecosystem.
These waterways act as the veins of the watershed, carrying water, nutrients, and, unfortunately, pollutants into the bay. They shape the landscape, support wildlife, and serve as natural filters that affect everything downstream. From agricultural fields to residential neighborhoods, the health of Saint Albans Bay is directly connected to the streams that run through the land around it.
As spring arrives and we spend more time outdoors, it’s the perfect moment to reconnect with these local streams, appreciate their value, and explore how we can all help keep them clean, healthy, and flowing strong.
Stream Spotlights: The Waterways Feeding the Bay
Rugg Brook
Flowing for about 4.5 miles from the northern edge of the watershed, Rugg Brook winds through a mix of forest and residential land before joining Stevens Brook near the city center. It plays a critical role in controlling stormwater runoff and is part of ongoing monitoring efforts due to its proximity to developed areas. Improving its water quality helps reduce sediment and nutrient loading downstream.
Stevens Brook
Perhaps the most well-known tributary in the watershed, Stevens Brook cuts through downtown St. Albans before entering the bay. Historically altered by development, this stream has been the focus of several restoration projects aimed at stabilizing its banks and creating buffers to filter pollutants. It’s a great example of how urban waterways can be both scenic and functional with the right care.
Jewett Brook
Originating in the hills of Fairfield, Jewett Brook runs through agricultural lands and wetlands before meeting Stevens Brook. It’s one of the largest contributors of surface water to Saint Albans Bay, and therefore a key focus for nutrient management efforts—especially phosphorus, which drives algae blooms in the bay. Buffer zones, cover crops, and improved land practices are all helping reduce its impact.
Mill River
On the southern edge of the watershed, Mill River flows in from Georgia and carries a mix of forest runoff and agricultural drainage. While it doesn’t connect directly into the bay like Stevens Brook, it enters the lake just south of it and still plays a role in overall lake health. It supports cold-water fisheries and is a key habitat for wildlife.
Taking Action
Upcoming Stream Cleanup
To support the health of these waterways and, ultimately, Saint Albans Bay, we’re teaming up with volunteers and local organizations to host an early summer stream cleanup.
Cleanups are a hands-on way to make an immediate difference. By removing trash and debris from streambanks, we reduce the chance that it ends up in the bay, and we help restore natural beauty to these hidden landscapes. Click the buttons below to learn more about our next stream cleanup!
Franklin County Stormwater Stream Cleanup: Sunday, June 8th, 9 am-1 pm
Become Stream Wise
Do you own property along a stream or river in Franklin or Grand Isle Counties? Sign up for the Stream Wise program and find out how you can help protect water quality, prevent erosion, and enhance wildlife habitat right from your own backyard. This free, voluntary program offers site visits, personalized recommendations, and even recognition for stream-friendly practices. Join your neighbors in making a difference, because healthy streams start at home. To learn more, you can email us at info@friendsofnorthernlakechamplain.org or click the button below!
How You Can Help Every Day
You don’t need to wait for a cleanup event to protect our streams and bay. Here are small actions that make a big impact:
Dispose of trash properly, especially plastic and cigarette butts.
Avoid over-fertilizing lawns or gardens.
Maintain vegetated buffers near ditches, ponds, or water lines.
Report signs of erosion or dumping in streams to the EPA or Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
Support conservation efforts in your area.
A Shared Watershed, A Shared Responsibility
Every drop that lands in our watershed eventually flows into Saint Albans Bay and Lake Champlain. Whether it’s running off a driveway or meandering through a forested creek, the journey our water takes is long. The health of the lake we love depends on the health of every stream, brook, and ditch along the way.
By learning more about these waterways and lending a hand where we can, we help ensure a cleaner, healthier bay for generations to come. Whether you’re walking a trail along Stevens Brook or pulling a few plastic bottles from the banks of Jewett Brook, you’re part of something bigger.
Let’s take care of what connects us all, one stream at a time.