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Pioneer Trail Wetland Restoration Project

Summary

Status: Substantially Complete
Start: September 2021
End: June 2022

Overview

The Pioneer Trail Wetland Restoration Project will restore wetland and upland habitats on seven acres of land owned by the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District. The wetland drains into Bluff Creek.

Benefits of the project include:

  • Improved water quality for Bluff Creek
  • Creation of healthy habitat for wildlife including pollinators
  • Improved stormwater management
  • Reduced water level fluctuations on site and adjacent properties
  • Visually pleasing landscape with seasonal color change

Project Phase

Flowchart of project steps: Regional Analysis, Feasibility Study, Design, Bidding, Construction, Substantial Completion, Final Completion.

Location

Benefits

  • Improved water quality for Bluff Creek
  • Creation of healthy habitat for wildlife including pollinators
  • Reduced water level fluctuations on site and adjacent properties
  • Reduced water level fluctuations on site and adjacent properties
  • Visually pleasing landscape with seasonal color change
  • The project site before restoration (fall 2019).
A panoramic view of a grassy field with trees and a road in the background.

Timeline

September - November 2021

Site Preparation

  • Vegetation & debris clearing
  • Herbicide weed control
  • Soil excavation & grading
  • Water level control structure installation
  • Erosion control seeding (cover crop)

April - July 2022

Restoration

  • Seeding
  • Plant plug installation
  • Tree & shrub planting

Beyond 2022

Site Maintenance

  • Control of invasive species
  • Water monitoring

Project Habitats and Plant Species

Project Updates

July 26 2022

Project is Substantially Complete!

June 2022

A wheelbarrow with plants, large concrete pipes, and trees in an outdoor setting.
Planting is now underway!

December 2021

Most of the grading has been completed on the site. A new outlet structure and emergency overflow (EOF) was installed. The site has been stabilized for winter. In spring 2022, habitat restoration including native plant seeding will begin. 

A colorful ecological map illustrating various habitats like an emergent wetland, wet meadow, and upland prairie.
Project restoration plan showing habitat types.
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