Harmon Field has a rich history centered around equestrian events and is the most used park in Polk County. Visitors to the park come from all over western North Carolina and the country. They join in equestrian events, sports, and other activities. Streambank erosion was compromising a section of the North Pacolet River at Harmon Field in Tryon.
Harmon Field funding
Quible & Associates, P.C., (now WithersRavenel) worked with the Town of Tryon to secure the necessary grants.
The project received some funding from a grant. This grant came from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ). It was part of the Water Resources Development Grant Program.
Once funding was secured, Quible designed, permitted and oversaw the implementation of the stream restoration and stormwater enhancement project. The goal was to stabilize streambanks. It also aimed to improve water quality and habitat for wildlife and plants. Additionally, it sought to increase safety for park visitors.
Harmon Field stream restoration
Environmental scientists at Quible restored about 3,400 feet of the river. They also conserved a riparian buffer that is nearly 50 feet wide. The stream banks and riparian buffer were planted with native shrubs, trees and wildflowers.
The new vegetated riparian buffer helped stabilize the banks. It also added natural river features like rock cross veins, riffles, and runs. These changes reduced sediment and pollutants in the North Pacolet River. They also increased dissolved oxygen, which is important for trout survival.
Rain gardens and bioretention basins were created in the park. They use native plants to improve stormwater treatment and support pollinators. The North Pacolet River is home to trout (Hatchery Supported) and other wildlife which benefited greatly from the improvements in water quality and native riparian buffer plantings.
Signs were placed along the river to inform the public. They show how the stream restoration project improves water quality and the environment.
