If you build it, they will come
The primary purpose of the wetland was to reduce erosion, reconnect the floodplain, and improve water quality; but true nature-based solutions also build habitat and restore native vegetation. It didn't take long for the wetland to burst with life.
Final Images - Wolsing Woods Wetland
A collection of before and after images of the Wolsing Woods Wetland project.
May 2019 - Wolsing Woods Wetland (Completed!)
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We are happy to announce the completion of the Wolsing Wetland. This project reconnected Banklick Creek to its floodplain and was designed to:
Located near the Cody Road/CSX railroad crossing of Banklick Creek, this project was a partnership between the Banklick Watershed Council, The Kenton Conservancy, and the Kentucky Division of Water (KDOW). A special thanks to the R.C. Durr Foundation, whose support helped us to obtain KDOW funding and add signs and trails to the project. Ultimately, the Wolsing Woods Trails will connect the parking area, wetland, and the Meadow Glen subdivision. |
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Feb 2019 - Wolsing Woods Wetland Construction Update
Good News! With well-timed seeding, we were able to establish ground cover without the need for erosion mats! That's a significant cost savings that allowed room in the budget for some habitat enhancements to our original design. You see, the wetland is connected to Banklick Creek and will likely be populated by fish carried in during high water. Those fish will keep amphibians, like frogs and salamanders, from colonizing the area. We decided to give these critters their own habitat by adding a wet meadow and three vernal pools at the top of the site, nearest the railroad tracks. These ponds were designed with frogs and salamanders in mind - helping to make sure the Wolsing Woods supports a wide variety of species.
The photo below shows the newly installed pools toward the back by the railroad tracks. Also installed were seven poles which will provide habitat for bats. (Thanks to our partners at PDS for providing drone images.)
The photo below shows the newly installed pools toward the back by the railroad tracks. Also installed were seven poles which will provide habitat for bats. (Thanks to our partners at PDS for providing drone images.)
Dec 2018 - Construction Update
We can't say enough wonderful things about our construction contractor, Farris Osborne, of Advanced Enterprises, out of Richmond, KY, Farris was recognized by SD1 for the excellent job in preventing erosion and sediment discharges from the Wolsing Woods Wetland site. Congratulations on a well-deserved award!
Oct 2018 - Construction Update
The major construction is nearing completion. The site has been seeded and trees will soon be planted. Then we must wait until spring for the start of the growing season and see that everything takes hold. (Thanks to our design partner Sustainable Streams for the drone images.)
Oct 2018 - Construction Update
To view more progress photos, check out our Facebook page.
Mar 2018 - Wolsing Wetland - Kickoff
This project includes the construction of a wetland and stabilization of stream banks in order to restore and improve the capacity of the floodplain at the Conservancy’s Wolsing Woods property. This project will install a wetland alongside Banklick Creek, just downstream from the Cody Road crossing. The wetland is designed to reduce downstream erosion in Banklick Creek. The project will improve water quality, streambank stability, aquatic & wildlife habitat, and floodplain storage.
The construction activities will occur entirely within the Kenton Conservancy’s property, and are not anticipated to impact surrounding properties. The activities will include site clearing, excavation of the floodplain, streambank stabilization, and the installation of creek crossings. The site will be planted with wetland species, prairie plants, and the hillside will be reforested with a diverse mixture of native trees. Upon completion of this project, the wetland will capture and store floodwater during times of high water.
The wetland will be connected to the Wolsing Woods Trails with two creek crossings, one adjacent to the wetland, and the other downstream near the Webster Road trailhead parking. Educational signs will be installed at the wetland, and trail improvements and linkages are planned.
For more on the importance of wetlands, check out KYDEP's recent blog post.
Project Participants
The Banklick Watershed Council was awarded a grant from the Kentucky Division of Water for the construction of the Wolsing Wetland. The Banklick Watershed Council has assembled a team of Strand Associates, Inc., Sustainable Streams, Inc., and Advanced Enterprises, Inc. for the design and construction of the project.
To find out more about the Kenton Conservancy and their properties, please visit www.KentonConservancy.org
Timeline
The construction activities will occur entirely within the Kenton Conservancy’s property, and are not anticipated to impact surrounding properties. The activities will include site clearing, excavation of the floodplain, streambank stabilization, and the installation of creek crossings. The site will be planted with wetland species, prairie plants, and the hillside will be reforested with a diverse mixture of native trees. Upon completion of this project, the wetland will capture and store floodwater during times of high water.
The wetland will be connected to the Wolsing Woods Trails with two creek crossings, one adjacent to the wetland, and the other downstream near the Webster Road trailhead parking. Educational signs will be installed at the wetland, and trail improvements and linkages are planned.
For more on the importance of wetlands, check out KYDEP's recent blog post.
Project Participants
The Banklick Watershed Council was awarded a grant from the Kentucky Division of Water for the construction of the Wolsing Wetland. The Banklick Watershed Council has assembled a team of Strand Associates, Inc., Sustainable Streams, Inc., and Advanced Enterprises, Inc. for the design and construction of the project.
To find out more about the Kenton Conservancy and their properties, please visit www.KentonConservancy.org
Timeline
- March 2018 - Site clearing began
- October 2018 - Earthwork complete and site seeded
- November 2018 - Trees installed and vernal pools added
- December 2018 - Construction complete
- May 2019 - Education signs installed
- November 2019 - Trail & vegetation maintenance
- Future - Trail work to connect to Meadow Glen and the Wolsing Woods Parking area off Webster Road
This project was funded by a grant from the U.S. EPA under Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act through the Kentucky Division of Water.
