HEADWATERS

Located just west of Quebec Road, the Headwaters area marks the beginning of the Lick Run Greenway stream. From this location, the stream meanders for about a mile to the east to the pond and Mill Creek.

 

 

The limestone wall (see photo) was designed to mimic a natural water cascade. Behind the slots in the limestone wall are pipes carrying water from the wetland forebay and the pond. The waterfall effect adds oxygen to the water.

 

 

Water from the pond is recirculated to the Headwaters to keep the stream flowing.The original Lick Run stream was an ephemeral stream, meaning it only flowed during and after rainstorms. Without the recirculation of water from the pond, the Greenway stream would run dry between rainstorms.

 

A small public parking lot is available at the Headwaters area, accessible from Queen City Avenue just west of Quebec Road.

 

WHAT CAN YOU SEE?

 

• Water Cascade: The water cascade was constructed using natural limestone, which echoes the geology of the Cincinnati region. The different colors and layers of thickness were inspired by the stone layers you see around Cincinnati's hillsides and natural streams.
• Native Plants: Plants in the forebay help clean the rainwater by absorbing pollutants into their roots, stems, and leaves.
• Stone wall:The openings in the stone wall allow rainwater to exit underground pipes and enter the Greenway stream. This is known as daylighting. As the water falls along the face of the wall, oxygen is added to the water, which aquatic creatures need to thrive.
• Trees:The trees around the stone wall help cool the water and prevent algae from growing during warm weather. Some algae can hurt plants and animals and create unhealthy living conditions.
• Native plants:Native plants along the banks and in the stream absorb (soak up) rainwater and provide food and shelter for animals.