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Chavis Heights Park, in downtown Raleigh, and Kentwood Park, in southeast Raleigh, are the locations for two N.C. Wetlands Restoration Program (now the N.C. Ecosystem Enhancement Program) urban stream restoration sites. The urban environment of these sites presents special problems for stream restoration projects, including intensive use by park visitors, impacts on the local watershed by surrounding development, and concerns for safety and aesthetics. At these sites, stream structural failures and vegetation failures made additional maintenance of each site necessary.
EcoScience Corporation was asked to design and implement stream structural repairs at Kentwood Park, and to develop and supervise supplemental planting plans for both sites. Stream maintenance began with initial stream measurements and subsequent surveying and staking of planned improvements. EcoScience provide on-site supervision of the construction, including backfilling of existing stream structures, bench excavation, and bank stabilization.
Supplemental planting for both sites included consultation of plant community reference data to formulate an appropriate species list. Planting area size and required density were used to calculate quantities of planting stock needed. The placement of stock was evaluated based on topographic position, moisture regime, stream geometry and erosive potential, exposure, and proximity to heavily used areas of the park.
Before planting, a soil test was analyzed to determine the amounts of lime and fertilizer amendments needed to optimize plant survival and growth. Areas of compacted soil were ripped or scarified to encourage healthy root formation. Our firm supervised planting activities to ensure proper planting techniques and spacing of material. Exotic and nuisance plant species were also identified and removed. A series of monitoring plots was established to survey post-planting densities and survival.
As a component of project maintenance and support, EcoScience developed a monitoring plan at each site to assure the continued success of each project. Our firm also offered assistance in developing the informal bid package for construction and planting contractors and assisted in the bidding process.
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