The Blackbird Mitigation Site is located in Johnston County, North Carolina, approximately six miles southeast of Benson and accessible from NC-96 South. The project encompasses a contiguous conservation easement situated upstream of Mill Creek, a tributary of the Neuse River. It includes portions of John K Swamp, Mill Branch, and one unnamed tributary totaling approximately 6,403 linear feet of stream.

The site’s stream systems have been historically impacted by a large impoundment dating back to the 1830s, which has significantly altered the channel morphology and disrupted the natural hydrology. Restoration and enhancement activities under the Enhancement II classification are designed to address these legacy impacts, improving stream stability, floodplain connectivity, and riparian habitat.

These efforts directly support the restoration goals outlined in the Neuse River Basin Restoration Priorities initially established in 2010 and amended in 2018, by advancing ecological improvements within the Neuse River watershed. Once complete, the Blackbird Mitigation Site will enhance water quality, strengthen the function of riparian ecosystems, and contribute to long-term watershed resilience.