Projects in Progress

In 2007 TNC received a conservation easement from a landowner over a 119-acre property. Restoration work began in 2009 to reverse bank erosion and sedimentation, re-establish forested riparian buffers and wetlands, and improve water quality and stream stability. This work involved reducing stream bank heights, realigning the stream channel and creating a variety of habitat structures including meanders, oxbows, depressions and open water features. Planting trees created a forested buffer along the stream to enhance existing wetlands. Not only did this mitigate damage, it also created habitat for waterfowl, a component the property owner was seeking. The BlueWildlife mitigation site restored and enhanced more than 7,000 feet of stream and 7 acres of wetlands. The end result not only improved water quality and habitat at the site but also helps prevent eroding sediment and harmful nutrient runoffs from fouling downstream lands and waterways.

The 72-acre Meadow Creek project addresses sedimentation, stream bank erosion and lack of forested buffers that threatened the health of Meadow Creek and the Rivanna River—a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. Construction occurred in 2012–2013. The unstable channel was improved to create stable meanders and reduce the height of streambanks. Rock and log structures were installed in the stream to provide bank stability and prevent scour, while riffles and pools were created to provide healthy habitat for aquatic insects and fish. The floodplain and wetlands, key components of the stream system, were also enhanced, and more than 15,000 trees and shrubs were planted to restore native forest habitat and enhance stream stability. The project con- tinues to provide opportunities for education and engagement. Since 2013, hundreds of volunteers have assisted with the removal of several tons of trash from the project corridor. In addition, University of Virginia and countless student groups have used the project as a living classroom and research site.