HHS Stream Restoration

The stream restoration has really taken shape in the downstream reach this week.  I stopped out this afternoon to check out what has happened and spoke with Justin for a few minutes.  What they have accomplished so far is very cool.  The most noticeable thing is the wetland they have constructed right near the west parking lot.  The berm is in place as well as the cobble weirs and step pools leading into and out of the wetland.  Some seeding has been done on the berm but that is obviously not very noticeable yet.  Justin explained that some of the native plants in that mix won’t even be visible until next year anyhow.  The extremely dry weather has kept the grass from sprouting but it has made construction much easier for the guys from MLS.

Two inlet storm water pipes used to dump directly into the stream in this reach.  Now the stream flows through the much larger wetland area and is now longer directly connected to the pipes.  These pipes now flow into smaller side-channels that enter the wetland separately.  From an ecological perspective, the storm water is allowed to spend time in the wetland before entering the stream itself.  Valuable filtration time and less erosive along the stream banks.

View of wetland and backside of large berm next to west staff lot

MLS installing cobble material for riffle behind Dean House

View of new wetland in lower reach. Bird Feeders in original positions. What a change!

Looking from school driveway upstream to step pools and berm exiting the wetland

This area will be awesome in years to come.

Justin thought they would finish construction in the lower reach in just a few more days and will soon begin work on the upper wetland.  Can’t wait…