Project Summary
Decades of agricultural use had flattened the natural topography and compromised this landscape’s ecological function. As a result, the Pymatuning Creek watershed experienced an increase in nutrient loading. Having previously partnered with Trumbull County MetroParks to protect the larger, 196-acre property where the project site was located, we sought to restore the natural landscape, reduce nutrient loads to downstream water bodies, and bring functional hydrology, habitat, and connectivity back to the area.
Together with the design-build team of Biohabitats and Meadville Land Service, we have successfully restored natural hydrology to the site by placing wattle structures in agricultural ditches. We added hummock and hollow grading to the landscape to simulate natural varied forest topography. Additionally, we added vernal pools to create new wetlands and expand the site’s existing Category III forested wetland complex.
Project Partners
Kinsman Swamp Preserve Restoration Project is made possible through a collaborative design-build effort from Trumbull County MetroParks, West Creek Conservancy, Biohabitats, and Meadville Land Service through the generous support of ODNR H2Ohio.
Expected Outcomes and Benefits
The site was revegetated with more than 900 native trees and shrubs, and habitat complexity was further enhanced with the installation of over 35 woody habitat features. The project restored riparian forest habitat, thus expanding the adjacent forested wetland complex footprint. The restoration design also laid out two potential loop trails, each providing visitors with unique opportunities to experience the restored habitat, along with the diversity of wildlife it will support.
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