Projects

Stabilization of a 200 ft. Section of Rock Creek
This site, in Weedman Park, off of Oak Ln, was selected due to its steep and eroding bank. The bank's erosion problems are likely caused by maintenence associated with flood control and sewer lines. The area bordering the creek is mowed and few trees are allowed to grow along the banks. Bulldozers regularly drive down the creek bed clearing all rocks and other debris from the channel. This is bad for fish and macroinvertebrate habitat and also leads to bank erosion.

Work on this site took place in early March, 2007.

The first step was to cut back the bank and then regrade it. J.A. Riggs Tractor Company provided equipment and skilled operators to assist with all earthwork at the site. Top soil was stockpiled to be spread over the site at the end of the earthwork phase.

After the regrading was completed, the stockpiled top soil was spread over the site. Then erosion controls were put in place. The silt fencing and erosion control matting will help keep the disturbed soil on the site and out of Rock Creek.

After erosion controls were put in place, local boy scouts, lead by Jackson Edwards, planted hundred of wetland forbs and dozens of trees and shrubs to improve habitat diversity and soil retention at the site. After about 5 weeks the site was well vegetated with young native grasses and wildflowers. A large percentage of the trees survived the critical first month.