Urbanization of watersheds typically simplifies stream channel structure and reduces hydrologic exchange between the stream channel and its associated hyporheic and riparian zones.  We report results of a 2 year study examining longitudinal change in nitrogen exported from an urban subwatershed during transport through a protected lower watershed with a geomorphically intact stream channel.  Weekly water samples were collected from multiple sites along a 1.6 km segment of Mud Creek in the piedmont of North Carolina.  Nitrogen concentration data (total nitrogen (TN) and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), measured as NH₄-N and NO₃-N) in conjunction with continuous flow measurements at multiple sites along the reach were used to calculate changes in the amount and form of N transported between monitoring stations.  DIN decreased through the downstream continuum on almost all sampling dates, as well as during storm events.  However, TN fluxes did not decline as sharply, indicating that in-stream production of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) reduces N retention in Mud Creek.