Exeter River Run
Community Stormwater Management
Implementing Collaborative Neighborhood Scale Stormwater Management and Riverbank Restoration
This collaborative project focuses on implementing neighborhood-scale stormwater management solutions in the River Run area to improve water quality and community resilience. Supported by a grant from the NH Charitable Foundation through Great Bay 2030, the project runs from February 2024 to February 2025.
Planned Activities and Timeline:
Riverbank Plantings
Locations: 1005 Camelot, Little John, 1015 Camelot
Plants: Shrubs, wildflowers, and wetland grasses
Timeline: Planting in June; monitoring throughout summer and fall.
Backyard Stormwater Strategies
Rain barrels at Robinhood and other homes in the neighborhood.
Timeline: Initial installations in May; additional sites in Fall 2024.
Larger Stormwater Management
Developing a bioretention basin near the Club House.
Timeline: Design in Summer 2024; construction in Fall 2024.
Community Engagement
Monthly stewards’ meetings, community walks, educational signs, and events to celebrate progress.
Ongoing throughout 2024.
Planning for Future Steps
Exploring further grants for riverbank stabilization or expanded stormwater management.
Key Team Members and Partners
| Funding Source | Timeframe | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| NH Charitable Foundation to RCCD | 3/24 - 2/25 | $67K |
| NH Charitable Foundation to RCCD | 3/25 - 12/26 | $300K |
| NH DES Watershed Assistance | 1/26 - 12/28 | $150K |
| Cobblestone’s Contributions | Ongoing | — |
Learn More about Funding
Stormwater Management & Riverbank Restoration
The River Run Stewards Initiative is dedicated to stormwater management, large-scale water conservation, and riverbank restoration. Through various projects, we’re working to reduce flooding, improve water quality, and restore natural habitats.
Explore the practices, major projects, and restoration efforts happening in our community.
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These small-scale solutions help residents reduce runoff, prevent flooding, and improve water quality at home.
Key Practices Implemented
Installing rain barrels at new homes
Constructing swales to relieve ponding
Designing & installing stormwater control systems
Excavation, planting, and installing gutters, rain barrels, and native plantings
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Beyond individual homes, we are implementing larger-scale stormwater solutions to improve drainage, prevent erosion, and create long-term resilience.
Major Projects
Bioretention Pond - Collects and filters stormwater to reduce runoff
Operation & Maintenance Plan - Ensures long-term upkeep of the pond
Catch Basin & Culvert Investigations - Cleaning and assessing infrastructure for necessary repairs
Potential Large-Scale Practice - Investigating additional stormwater infrastructure around Camelot
Site Excavation & Tree Removal - Clearing necessary areas for improved drainage
Culvert Installation - Adding pipe systems under roads & in front of the clubhouse
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Protecting the Riverbanks for Long-Term Health
Erosion and flooding threaten the integrity of our riverbanks, leading to habitat loss, poor water quality, and property damage. Our restoration efforts aim to stabilize the river’s edge, improve plant diversity, and create lasting resilience.
Key Restoration Actions
Planting native shrubs, wildflowers and wetland grasses around the community to stabilize soil and prevent erosion
Partners working together with experts for the large scale bank stabilization project.
Monitoring and upkeep to check for erosion issues, and maintaining plant growth
Continued community engagement by hosting demonstrations and volunteering events.
Flood Ready Neighborhoods Program
In addition to the grants outlined above, the Flood Ready Neighborhoods Program will continue some work at River Run with separate funding through UNH, DES and NH Charitable Foundation.
Core Activities:
Work with residents to learn about and develop strategies for issues related to flooding, erosion and climate change.
Potential for site visits / consults with individual residents
Planning, facilitation and snacks for monthly River Run Stewards meetings
Meetings are an opportunity to discuss ideas and questions about ongoing work and also plan celebrations, demonstrations and work days.
Potential to plan programs to address topics of interest, such as dealing with water damage and mold, emergency preparedness, gardening, birds and wildlife, Pickpocket Dam, long term planning and visioning for the community, etc.
Join the River Run Stewards!
A River Run Steward is someone who will protect the neighborhood’s natural beauty and address stormwater impacts and erosion. The Stewards will be focused on water issues like rainwater ponding, stormwater streams, and erosion.
Interested in learning more or have questions?
