At a Glance
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8
Wetland Depressions
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19+
Acre Corridor
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1K+
LF Toe-wood
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1.2
Miles Restored
- Location
- Racine County, Wisconsin
- Offices
-
-
Client
-
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Microsoft Corporation
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-
Partners
-
-
Root-Pike Win Watershed Initiative
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Thornton Construction Company
-
- Location
- Racine County, Wisconsin
- Offices
- Client
-
- Microsoft Corporation
- Partners
-
- Root-Pike Win Watershed Initiative
- Thornton Construction Company
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Microsoft Corporation, which owns and operates a data center adjacent to Lamparek Creek, partnered with the Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network to implement a voluntary habitat improvement project along approximately 1.2 miles (1.9 kilometres) of the corridor. Once designated the most impaired tributary in the Pike River Watershed, Lamparek Creek had been heavily altered by past agricultural practices that straightened and incised the stream channel, disconnecting it from its floodplain. This reduced wetland function and habitat complexity, degraded water quality, and allowed invasive species to spread. Microsoft retained our team to assess, design, permit, and construct the project.
The restoration focused on improving aquatic and terrestrial habitats by reconnecting the stream to its floodplain, restoring natural stream morphology and hydraulics, and establishing diverse native plant communities throughout the riparian corridor. We conducted pre‑restoration surveys to evaluate groundwater hydrology, stream flow and temperature, wildlife use, vegetation patterns, wetland boundaries, and invasive species. Drawing on natural channel design principles and nature-based solutions, we then developed and implemented a restoration plan that replicates natural stream morphology and floodplain connectivity under existing hydrologic conditions.
Although construction was completed in 2025, we are continuing to monitor and report on the site to guide vegetation establishment and adaptive management. As noted by the community affairs manager for the data center, “This is an effort that strongly reflects Microsoft’s deep commitment to the local ecosystems and the communities that we’re proud to join and be a part of. Projects like this…help our communities thrive.”
Overall, these efforts will enhance water quality, habitat, and floodplain function while delivering lasting ecological benefits for the Village of Mount Pleasant and the broader Pike River Watershed.
" }At a Glance
-
8
Wetland Depressions
-
19+
Acre Corridor
-
1K+
LF Toe-wood
-
1.2
Miles Restored
- Location
- Racine County, Wisconsin
- Offices
-
-
Client
-
-
Microsoft Corporation
-
-
Partners
-
-
Root-Pike Win Watershed Initiative
-
Thornton Construction Company
-
- Location
- Racine County, Wisconsin
- Offices
- Client
-
- Microsoft Corporation
- Partners
-
- Root-Pike Win Watershed Initiative
- Thornton Construction Company