Pioneer Trail Wetland Restoration Project
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
PArtners
Summary
Status: Substantially Complete
Start: September 2021
End: June 2022
Resources
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).
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
Money for Landowner Projects
Property owners within the Watershed District are eligible for an up to 75% cost-share grant to fund a habitat restoration or other water quality improvement project on their property! Check out the Watershed Stewardship Grant webpage for more information.
Project Updates
July 26 2022
Project is Substantially Complete!
June 2022
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.
Project restoration plan showing habitat types.