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The
Whitemarsh Environmental Advisory Board initiated a phased riparian
restoration project in the township's premier park. This project was
both encouraged and supported financially by the Board of Supervisors
and Park & Recreation Committee. The design, purchasing and planting of
native species was performed by EAB members.
Miles
Park in Lafayette Hill is a highly visible and well-used recreational
area within Whitemarsh Township. Between the park’s baseball and soccer
fields there is an intermittent stream which receives drainage via two
24-inch pipes. These pipes drain a development located across the road
from the park. During heavy rains the stream carries 3 to 4 feet of
water. The park’s stream converges at this point with another tributary
that empties into the Schuylkill River about a mile downstream. Also,
the water from a retention basin enters at this point of convergence.
Over the years, the water flow has completely eroded the streambanks. At
the point where the stream flows under Germantown Pike, the high
streambank has been eroded approximately 4 feet on one side, exposing
3-inch roots from a tree located about 12 feet away. If the summer is
exceptionally wet, there will be standing water pools at both the
Germantown underpass and at the drain pipes. These two areas provide
breeding habitat for mosquitoes.
The
township's Environmental Advisory Board (EAB) provides demonstration
sites throughout Whitemarsh as a way to educate/encourage residents on
environmental matters, including stormwater management, that are
important to the township. Consequently, the EAB decided to initiate a
phased project which would not only beautify this area in the park with
native plants, but would also help stabilize the streambanks at
particular areas and reduce erosion in other areas.
Phase One was initiated on April 4, 2009 by members of the EAB and the
township greenhouse staff. The area to be planted was first outlined and
edged. Then the sod was rototilled and raked. Approximately 2,500 native
species of plants were planted 18" apart in particular patterns that
complemented individual plant growth conditions - shade, sun, moist
conditions and wetland conditions. Throughout the Summer this area will
be monitored and weeded by EAB members.
Planting
more wetland-oriented species, like rushes, directly in the stream will
help reduce stream velocity during rapid runoff periods and help reduce
sediment movement downstream, thereby improving water quality prior to
emptying into the Schuylkill River. Additionally, the native species
will attract birds and facilitate the drying of wet and standing water
areas which provide habitat for mosquitoes. Bird houses within the
naturalized area, educational signage for visitors, and a park bench
nestled between two presently established willow trees will provide a
relaxing area for our residents. To see a list of plants installed in
the buffer, click
here.
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