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Site in 2019

Introduction

This project includes 2.4 acres forested nontidal wetland restoration/creation and 21.3 acres forested wetland enhancement.  The site is located in the Nassawango Creek watershed (02130205) of Wicomico County on Nature Conservancy land. 

Construction

The Maryland Department of the Environment, in conjunction with the Chesapeake Bay Trust, the National Aquarium and the Nature Conservancy, restored/enhanced this wetland in spring 2017.  The site was previously dominated by loblolly pine, which provides minimal species habitat.​ Construction included plugging/filling ditches and grading areas to provide habitat diversity (e.g., areas that will hold water longer).  In addition to improving the general health and diversity of this system, goals for this site included expanding upon the existing local population of the State watchlist species Atlantic White Cedar and improving habitat for northern pitcher plants (a disturbance-adapted species). Local school children were engaged in the planting of Atlantic White Cedar. In addition to clearing loblolly trees, controlled burns were utilized to remove some of the remaining undesirable species and encourage rare species. Immediately after burning occurred, uncommon plant species started re-colonizing the property. More information about this unique property can be found on the Nature Conservancy's website​. This site is protected in perpetuity through the Nature Conservancy​.

Project was located at three sites with TNC property

During construction - ditch plugs and weirs

Construction included grading mound and hollow topography which resulted in diverse habitat

 

The site provides habitat for unique plants and animals including the Spatulate-leaved sundew