In 1993 continuing closures of shellfishing waters in New Hanover County led to the initiation of a broad-based tidal creek sampling program. This program began monthly sampling of physical parameters, nutrients, chlorophyll a, fecal coliform bacteria and benthic fauna in Bradley, Futch, Hewletts, Howe and Pages Creeks. This program was funded initially by New Hanover County, the Northeast New Hanover Conservancy, and UNCW. The research and monitoring work was carried out by scientists from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington’s Center for Marine Science Research (CMSR). This effort was done in close cooperation with the New Hanover County Planning Department. A series of annual reports  was published by the University detailing water quality in the tidal creeks, as well as the results of a number of closely related research projects (see Publications). This project culminated with the publication of the Four Year Environmental Analysis of New Hanover County Tidal Creeks, 1993-1997. Among other findings, this report detailed some important findings concerning how developed land, particularly land covered by impervious surfaces, increased bacterial pollution of local waterways.

     In 1997 the City of Wilmington initiated an agreement with the UNC Wilmington Center for Marine Science Research to conduct a comprehensive water sampling program in watersheds within Wilmington City limits. These watersheds include parts or all of Barnard’s Creek, Bradley Creek, Burnt Mill Creek, Greenfield Lake, Mott’s Creek, Smith Creek, and the Upper and lower Cape fear city drainages. This project is being carried out as part of the City’s compliance with the EPA Phase II Stormwater Regulations, and comprehensive activities associated with this effort are coordinated by the City of Wilmington Stormwater Services, overseen by Mr. David Mayes. Since 1997, the results of the two projects have been combined into a single annual report, since certain of the watersheds are shared by both jurisdictions.

     In 1998 New Hanover County received a $6,000,000 grant from the North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund to create a comprehensive five-year program to protect and enhance the water quality of the tidal creeks. These funds included $2,000,000 toward the purchase of Airlie Gardens to make a project focal point, including an estuarine buffer, educational site, and outdoor laboratory. As part of this, a citizen’s advisory committee was appointed to serve as the Tidal Creeks Advisory Board.