Project Overview
Situated in the headwaters of Pennypack Creek, this 235 acre parcel affords an exellent opportunity to create
and enhance small "pocket" wetlands that will detain and infiltrate stormwater.
Kuhn Day Camp/College Settlement Camp is a non-profit organization that provides day and overnight camp and enviromental education programs to economically needy children in the Philadelphia region. It is hoped that the stormwater management program will have further benefits of enhancing educational opportunities and attracting wildlife.
The proposed project will create approximately two acres of riparian wetland adjacent to an intermittent tributary than begins at an existing stormwater outfall at Welsh Road. The total length of stream is approximately 950 ft. The project will involve grading the project area to create a series of interconnected pools (depression areas) and berms.
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Project Timeline
Conceptual plans have been completed and we have met with Camp leaders to discuss site specifics and the landowner agreement. A Growing Greener grant application has been drafted.
Wetland Creation and Enhancement
Existing trees and shrubs around the
stream will be maintained. The height of the berms would not exceed 1 ft. and the depths of the
pools would not exceed 1 ft. The excavated material generated by creating the pools will be used
to create the berms, eliminating the need to hauling material on and off site. The excavation can
be completed using traditional earthmoving equipment (back-hoe, front end loader, etc.) Material
would be temporarily stockpiled as needed.
Streambank Restoration
Despite the fact that there is only a single small stormwater outfall upstream of this point, we observed
significant stream incision within the College Settlement site. It may be possible to do additional grade control at some of these
"knickpoints" using rock and log vanes
Educational Opportunities
College Settlement Camp has strongly established environmental education programs, so the increase in naturalized areas will only benefit the camper's understanding of how natural water features can retain stormwater and enhance habitat for local wildlife.
It would also be great to have College Settlement develop educational programs around the restoration and to help monitor and evaluate the wetlands as they develop.