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Water: 5 Star Wetland Restoration & Grants

Five Star Restoration Challenge Grant Program

2005 Awards


Alaska

Project Name: Resurrection Creek Restoration Project Phase II
Five-Star Funds: $10,000
Grant To: Youth Restoration Corps
Project Location: Hope, Cooper Landing Alaska

Youth Restoration Corps and Chugach National Forest will be joining forces to accomplish the largest restoration project ever under taken in Alaska. The effort will focus on the stream, spawning beds, development and removal of tailing piles, while concentrating on the habitat re-vegetation process. The completion of the project will re-connect 161.2 square miles of resurrection valley watershed to its anadramous tributary of upper Cook Inlet. Local schools will be involved in Phase 1 of the project, which involves community outreach and education on water quality, and the importance of healthy fish and wildlife habitat. Project partners include Conoco/Phillips- BP Exploration, Marathon Oil Company, Earth Savers Inc., Chugach National Forest, North America Green and Bannerman Foundation.


Arizona

Project Name: Pasture Canyon Tutavo Project
Five-Star Funds: $6,700
Grant To: The Hopi Tribe, Water Resources Program
Project Location: Coconino County, Arizona

The Hopi Tribe, Water Resources Program will restore approximately 5 acres of wetland and riparian forb and 2 acres of riparian trees in the Pasture Canyon Parkway restoration area. Students from the Hopi village of Moencopi will help with the restoration, while receiving instruction in environmental science and learning stewardship responsibilities (Tutavo). Project partners include the Hopi Water Resources Program, Hopi Office of Range Management, Hopi Cultural Preservation Office, Moencopi Village Youth Program, and the Moencopi Day School.

Project Name: Rincon Creek Restoration to Repair Lands Impaired by Cattle Grazing
Five-Star Funds: $10,000
Grant To: Rincon Institute
Project Location: Pima County, Arizona

The Rincon Institute will restore a quarter mile of Rincon Creek to protect the riparian habitat and will fence 280 acres of state land to limit cattle access. This restoration project will train volunteers and provide outreach and education. Outreach materials will be distributed at major events, at the main office of the project partners, and at the Rincon Valley Farmers Market. Local community members will benefit from learning about the value of riparian areas, how to conduct a restoration project, and the value of creating lasting partnerships among varying land uses to ensure protection and stewardship of natural resources. Project partners include the Cienega Corridor Conservation Council, Saguaro National Park, a land lessee, Colossal Cave Mountain Park, Rincon Valley Farmers Market, and the University of Arizona.


California

Project Name: Sausal Creek Student Stewardship Program (SCSSP)
Five-Star Funds: $10,000
Grant To: EarthTeam
Project Location: Alameda County, California

EarthTeam will restore approximately 0.5 acres of riparian habitat along Sausal Creek. This restoration project will involve 125 urban high school students in hands-on environmental education and career training in restoration and monitoring. This project will be part of local watershed efforts coordinated by Friends of Sausal Creek and the City of Oakland. It will complement a larger regional effort by other conservation groups, and local, state, and federal agencies to improve water and habitat quality upstream of the San Francisco Bay. Project partners include the Friends of Sausal Creek, University of California College of Natural Resources, Lawrence Hall of Science, Oakland High School, Oasis Charter Public High School, and the Clorox Foundation.

Project Name: Carmel River Lagoon Restoration Project
Five-Star Funds: $10,000
Grant To: Hilton Bialek Biological Sciences Habitat
Project Location: Monterey County, California

The Hilton Bialek Biological Sciences Habitat at Carmel Middle School will restore 5 acres on the Carmel River Lagoon property to riparian and wetland habitat. This restoration project will provide refuge for native plants and wildlife species. In addition, this project will provide educational opportunities for community youth from underserved populations as well as middle and high school students, teaching them the value and function of wetland eco-systems through direct involvement in restoration activities. Project partners include the Hilton Bialek Habitat and Carmel Unified School District, Carmel River Steelhead Association, Big Sur Land Trust, Hastings Natural History Reservation, Rana Creek Native Plant Nursery, and California State Parks.

Project Name:Yreka Creek Restoration and Education Program
Five-Star Funds: $11,100
Grant To: Shasta Valley RCD and/or Yreka CCC
Project Location: Yreka, California

The Shasta Valley RCD and/or Yreka CCC will restore streamside areas along Yreka Creek, a tributary of the Shasta and Klamath Rivers. The project site is made up of key areas within the 4.5 mile segment of Yreka Creek's streamside zone within the city limits of Yreka, California, a community of 7,500 people. This restoration project will pave the way to interpretive and volunteer student activities, as well as benefit the community, the environment, and create synergistic relationships between professionals, students, teachers, and corps members. Project partners include the Siskiyou County Office of Education, the California Conservation Corps, Golden Eagle Charter School, California Department of Fish and Game, Yreka Greenway Program, and Americorps Watershed Stewards Project.

Project Name: Northstate SLEWS Program
Five-Star Funds: $10,000
Grant To: Center for Land-Based Learning
Project Location: Tehama County, California

The Center for Land-Based Learning will restore 3 acres along the Sacramento River in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Rio Vista project. This restoration project will enhance the current 231-acre mixed riparian forest site by adding a wetland component. Highschool science students, with the assistance of Northstate SLEWS staff and restoration ecologists, will learn about riparian restoration, bird habitat, floodwater control and wildlife management. Students working on the project site will also take part in ecological field studies focusing on the plants, animals and aquatic species that inhabit their site. Project partners include the Nature Conservancy, Tehama County Resource Conservation District, Tehama County Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hedgerow Farms, Floral Native Nursery, and a CALFED Ecosystem Restoration Grant.


Colorado

Project Name: Gunnison River Headwaters Restoration Project
Five-Star Funds:$10,000
Grant To: Delta County Weed Board and North Fork River Improvement Association
Project Location: Paonia and Hotchkiss, CO

The Delta County Weed Board and North Fork River Improvement Association will restore four sites along the Gunnison River. The sites are located within an area designated for restoration that includes 133 riparian acres and 14 river miles of the Gunnison River headwaters. Volunteers will remove invasive noxious weeds, primarily tamarisk and Russian olive and reintroduce native vegetation such as cottonwood and willow at all four project sites. Educational components of this project will include free float trips designed for public viewing of the restored areas, the creation and posting of interpretive signs by local high school students, and a series of community newsletters and presentations that will promote awareness of invasive species. Project partners include the Bureau of Land Management, Habitat Partnership (CO Dept. of Wildlife), Friends of Gunnison Gorge, Delta County, the US Army Corps of Engineers, North Folk Trails Network, Quick Foundation, Schramm Foundation, Paonia High School, Lamborn Valley School, and NFRIA Volunteer Labor.

Project Name:Wildlands Restoration Volunteers Partnership for Stewardship 2005
Five-Star Funds: $10,000
Grant To: Wildlands Restoration Volunteers (WRV)
Project Location: Delta County, Colorado

The Wildlands Restoration Volunteers will restore five different wetland and riparian sites in the rapidly growing northern Colorado Front Range. Restoration activities include planting 17,000 wetland and 8,000 upland plants, placing 4000 willow cuttings, repairing 1,700 feet of boardwalk, restoring several hundred yards of pond banks and one acre of wetland, and stabilizing 1,060 feet of streambank. All five of the projects across Colorado will have educational components that involve various youth groups and local schools in the restoration process. Project partners include Rocky Mountain National Park, the Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge, Boulder County Parks and Open Space, and St. Vrain State Park.


Connecticut

Project Name: Hatchery Brook Riparian Buffer Restoration
Five-Star Funds: $8,300
Grant To: Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District
Project Location: Berlin, Connecticut

The Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District will restore 0.3 acres of riparian buffer on Hatchery Brook. The restoration will convert 13,500 sq. feet of riparian buffer that is currently turf grass to native shrubs, ferns, grasses, and wildflowers. Project partners include the Town of Berlin, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Berlin UpBeat, the Kensington Garden Club, the Mattabesset River Watershed Association (MRWA), and the Middlesex United Way.


Delaware

Project Name: Native Coastal Plant Demonstration Site
Five-Star Funds: $10,000
Grant To: Partnership for the Delaware Estuary
Project Location: Lewes, Delaware

The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary will expand the existing demonstration garden onto adjacent land. They will create and restore a native wetland habitat using native shrubs, grasses and perennials as a demonstration to homeowners that wet swale areas and drainage containment areas can be landscaped with native plants to benefit the environment. The area they are restoring is a little less than a ½ acre and is 300 yards from a tidal marsh and the Delaware Bay. Project partners include University of Delaware Sea Grant Program, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control - Division of Soil and Water Conservation and Division of Water Resources, Sussex Conservation District, J.B. Landscaping, and Cape Henlopen High School.


Georgia

Project Name: Whetstone Creek and Wetland Restoration Project
Five-Star Funds: $12,300
Grant To: Peachtree Woodall Whetstone Watershed Alliance
Project Location: Atlanta, GA

The Peachtree Woodall Whetstone Watershed Alliance will restore a half mile section of Whetstone Creek and five acres of adjacent wetlands as part of the Whetstone Creek and Wetland Restoration Project. Community volunteers will remove trash, plant vegetation appropriate for habitat restoration and streambank stabilization, and strategically restore wetland vegetation that will filter stormwater runoff. The project site will provide an outdoor classroom venue for local schools. Project partners include the City of Atlanta, Fulton County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Bolton Neighborhood Association, Brockbuilt, Inc., and Southeast Waters-Americorp.


Idaho

Project Name: Six Springs Ranch Wildlife Habitat Project
Five-Star Funds: $10,000
Grant To: Teton Regional Land Trust
Project Location: Driggs, Idaho

Teton Regional Land Trust will use restoration techniques to enhance three wetland ponds on the Six Springs Ranch Conservation Easement Property. This will serve as an example of low-cost habitat enhancement on agricultural land, and will also be of educational value for local public schools and the entire community. The goal will be to combine cattle/hay production with water- bird management. An environmental education curriculum will reach all county 5th graders and emphasize habitats and their ecological functions. Partners include US Fish & Wildlife Services, Intermountain Aquatics, Banrock Station's Wetland Conservation and Fall River Electric Cooperative.

Project Name: Riparian Habitat Improvement in the Elk City Township
Five-Star Funds: $13,000
Grant To: Framing Our Communities, Inc.
Project Location: Elk City, ID

Framing Our Communities, Inc. will return riparian areas that have suffered years of erosion to their past status as productive fisheries. Local workers will install fences to keep cattle from grazing by the streams. Trees and brush will be planted as a buffer to reduce erosion. The Elk City Schools hatches salmon eggs and then releases the juvenile fish into the streams. This will expand to incorporate understanding of riparian ecosystems and habitat improvement. Partners include Idaho Office of Species Conservation, Bureau of Land Management, Elk City School and Montana Conservation Corps.

Project Name: Lower Boise River Habitat Initiative
Five-Star Funds: $10,000
Grant To: Ted Trueblood Chapter of Trout Unlimited
Project Location: Boise, Idaho

Ted Trueblood Chapter of Trout Unlimited will improve the riparian, water quality and aquatic habitat of the lower Boise River. Two projects will be encompassed, one to remove a culvert at Julia Davis Park, creating a stream channel, and the other to design and create riparian and fish habitat improvements to a drainage channel to the Boise River. Trout Unlimited will work with the Idaho Environmental Forum to develop a program on regional water policy issues. Project partners include University of Idaho, Rotary Club of Boise, Edwards Mother Earth Foundation and Boise Parks and Recreation.


Illinois

Project Name: Waubonsee Community College Restoration Project on the Blackberry Creek
Five-Star Funds: $10,000
Grant To: Waubonsee Community College
Project Location: Sugar Grove, Kane County, Illinois

Waubonsee Community College (WCC) will enhance 32.5 acres of wet meadow on its campus, and will continue restoration of the wetlands function in the watershed area of Blackberry Creek and Fox River. The WCC will offer courses on the importance of healthy wetlands within the ecosystem. The area will also serve as a learning laboratory for public school science classes in the district. Project Partners include Pizzo & Associates, Christopher Burke Engineering, Ltd., The Conservation Foundation and the Fox River Ecosystem Partnership.

Project Name: Enhancement of the Chicago Portage National Historic Site
Five-Star Funds: $12,000
Grant To: Forest Preserve District of Cook County
Project Location: Lyons, Illinois

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County will remove invasives on the Chicago Portage National Historic Site through controlled burning followed by an herbicide application. Approximately three acres of wetland habitat will be restored as a result. Interpretive signs will educate site visitors about the benefits of maintaining biodiversity. Project partners include National Park Service, Civic Center Authority and Friends of the Portage.


Indiana

Project Name: Solar Restoration Greenhouse
Five-Star Funds: $5,000
Grant To: Save the Dunes Conservation Fund
Project Location: Michigan City, Indiana

Save the Dunes Conservation Fund will be restoring wetland, riparian and upland habitats in a degraded urban section of Trail Creek. A passive solar greenhouse will be constructed to improve local capacity for restoration work and for use as training to educate land managers on the conservation benefits of such greenhouses. Krueger and Barker Middle Schools will be involved in the project, which will educate the schoolchildren on the benefits of ecological enhancements. Partners include NiSource Environmental Challenge Fund, Save the Dunes Council, Wildlife Habitat Council and the Boys and Girls Club.


Kansas

Project Name: Clinton Lake Streambank and Habitat Restoration
Five-Star Funds: $7,000
Grant To: Kaw Valley Heritage Alliance
Project Location: Douglas County, Kansas

The Kaw Valley Heritage Alliance will restore roughly 10 acres of degraded streambanks as well as 20 acres of agricultural grazing land along Coon Creek, a tributary to Clinton Lake. The project will improve water quality and decrease sedimentation rates in the lake, as well as provide an educational tool to the watershed community about water quality and action impacts. Partners include Streamlink, Kansas Alliance of Wetlands and Streams, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, E.A.R.T.H./ Center for Community Outreach, The Watershed Institute and the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks.


Kentucky

Project Name: Red River Mouth Watershed Education and Restoration Project
Five-Star Funds: $8,000
Grant To: Powell County Cooperative Extension Service
Project Location: Stanton, Kentucky

The Powell County Cooperative Extension Service will develop an education and restoration program that will restore a 5,280 feet long by 30 feet wide riparian zone within the county's main source of drinking water, the Red River Mouth Watershed. Students from Powell County schools will work with resource professionals to assess the status of this local watershed, implement a plan to restore the selected riparian zone, and educate the public about their local watershed. Project partners include the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, local landowners, the Red River Gorge Watershed Task Force, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, and Powell County Schools.

Project Name: Easy Walker Park Water Resource Restoration Project
Five-Star Funds: $10,000
Grant To: Montgomery County Extension District Board
Project Location: Mt. Sterling, Kentucky

The Montgomery County Extension District Board will restore 2,500 linear feet of upland drainage and riparian areas within Easy Walker Park through stabilization of eroded areas and the planting of native grasses and other vegetation. Montgomery County High School students will provide volunteer labor and receive watershed restoration training. The project will educate local land managers, farmers, citizens, and school groups about the importance of the Hinkston Creek watershed through a final workshop, interpretive signs, and long-term monitoring. Project partners include the Montgomery County Fiscal Court, the Mt. Sterling/Montgomery County Recreation Commission, and the Kentucky Waterways Alliance.


Louisiana

Project Name: Breton Island Coastal Restoration
Five-Star Funds: $15,000
Grant To: St. Bernard/Plaquemines Parish 4-H Program
Project Location: Breton National Wildlife Refuge, Chandeleur Islands, Louisiana

St. Bernard/Plaquemine's Parish 4-H Program will be restoring dune and marsh habitat, establishing a plant nursery to aid in propagation restoration of plants, and educating Louisiana youth and the public on barrier island ecology. Volunteers will be involved in a two-day trip to construct 3,000 feet of sand fencing and plant 6,000 native plants. Upon completion of the sand fencing, the 6,000 some plants will be planted and monitored by students and US Fish & Wildlife Service biologists. Project Partners include ConocoPhillip, US Fish & Wildlife Service, LSU Agriculture Center, the Chandeleur Island Lodge and Buras High School.


Maine

Project Name: Royal River YCC - Riparian Area Restorations
Five-Star Funds: $12,000
Grant To: Friends of the Royal River
Project Location: North Yarmouth, Maine

The Friends of the Royal River will restore riparian habitat by planting and nurturing native tree species in approximately 6 acres of what is currently open grassland. Establishing a 100 foot wide riparian buffer will help protect water quality, stabilize stream banks, offer a source of leaves and woody debris to support stream ecosystem function, and keep water temperatures cool by providing shade and create some wildlife habitat. Project partners include Friends of the Royal River, Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Trout Unlimited, Town of North Yarmouth, Casco Bay Estuary Project, Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), the Town of New Gloucester, Sabbathday Lake Association, and Crystal Lake Association.


Massachusetts

Project Name: Great Barrington Housatonic River Walk
Five-Star Funds: $12,000
Grant To: Great Barrington Land Conservancy
Project Location: Great Barrington, Massachusetts

The Great Barrington Land Conservancy will restore ½ linear mile (approx. 50' wide) of severely degraded riverbank and create a 7,500 sq. ft rain garden, with hundreds of volunteers. Volunteers include 200 students from 8 schools or camps, an addition to one to three interns, engaged in restoration activities. Existing vegetation is limited to box elder and cottonwood. Invasive species will be removed and new native species will be introduced: sycamore, cottonwood, silver maple, and sugar maple trees, witch hazel, shad, dogwoods, and other upland shrubs; ferns; aster species and other native perennial herbs; and vine species such as Virginia creeper, cat briar, and Moonseed. Project partners include the Town of Great Barrington, Berkshire Garden Club, local banks and businesses, Crane Charitable Trust, Massachusetts Environmental Trust, Simon's Rock College, Searles School, and Great Barrington Rotary.


Michigan

Project Name: Wetland Restoration Campaign
Five-Star Funds: $6,600
Grant To: Calhoun Conservation District
Project Location: Marshall, Battle Creek, Albion, Michigan

Calhoun Conservation District will be enhancing over 200 acres of critical wetlands in accordance with agency specified techniques. This project will produce newsletters and press releases to educate the public on the value of maintaining wetlands, and will also offer a course to 20 area teachers, on water quality with a wetland component. Partners include Consumers Energy, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

Project Name: Detroit River Shoreline and Fish Habitat Restoration
Five-Star Funds: $12,000
Grant To: City of River Rouge
Project Location: River Rouge, Michigan

The City of River Rouge will restore a section of the Detroit River Shoreline and habitat to its natural conditions. The 180 foot stretch currently has no habitat value and so the degraded concrete will be recycled, the shoreline reconfigured, native plants installed and fish habitat created. The St. Clair Waterways for Wildlife program and Great Lakes Education program will allow for major educational sessions to be provided during each aspect of the restoration process. Project partners include DTE Energy, Friends of the Detroit River and the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition.


Minnesota

Project Name: Restoration of Rich Fen and Rare Species Habitat at Pioneer Park, Blaine MN
Five-Star Funds: $11,300
Grant To: City of Blaine
Project Location: Pioneer Park, Blaine, Minnesota

The City of Blaine will be providing ongoing restoration of 14 acres of a saturated deep peat land system within Pioneer Park. Volunteers will be trained in native seed collection/dispersal and propagation, and removal of invasives. These restoration techniques will be followed up with herbicide treatment where necessary. Project partners include Minnesota Department of Resources, Minnesota Native Plant Society, Aveda Corporation, and the Boy Scouts of America (Blaine Troop 552).


Montana

Project Name: Lower Sun River Restoration Project
Five-Star Funds: $10,000
Grant To: Sun River Watershed Group
Project Location: Great Falls, Montana

The Sun River Watershed Group will restore three miles of riparian area within the Sun River Basin. Volunteers will remove over 100 car bodies along the bank of the riparian area, place erosion matting on the raw banks, and plant 1,000 willow trees and 1,000 cottonwood trees. Education activities will include organizing an annual river day, involving students in planting and monitoring in the spring and fall, and engaging volunteers in the water quality monitoring aspect of the project. Project partners include Cascade County, the City of Great Falls, Volunteers from Canoe Club and Corvette Club, and a local gardeners group.

Project Name: Voag Center Streambank Restoration
Five-Star Funds: $10,000
Grant To: Flathead Lakers
Project Location: Kalispell, Montana

The Flathead Lakers will restore 800 feet of river bank along the Stillwater River. Project partners will relocate a hog barn away from the river bank and revegetate the eroding river bank with willows and other native plants. The project will involve class projects, workshops, and field trips for local students to become involved in the restoration. Project partners include the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Excavator, the National Park Service's Trails and Conservation Assistance Program, Flathead Conservation District, Bonneville Power Administration, Robinson Vocational Agricultural Center, and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.


Nebraska

Project Name: Platte River Habitat Restoration Model
Five-Star Funds: $10,000
Grant To: Buffalo County Weed District/ Platte Valley Weed Management Area
Project Location: Buffalo and Dawson County, Nebraska

Buffalo County Weed District/ Platte Valley Weed Management Area (PVWMA) will restore critical habitat in riparian zones after abatement efforts have been initiated on non-native weed species. Once native plant species are reintroduced to the environment this land will have a more desirable balance, beneficial to wildlife. A "simple model" will be created for individual landowners or land managers to utilize for methods to restore native plants to an area overrun by invasives. Project partners include Buffalo County, Dawson County, Nebraska Game and Parks, University of Nebraska-Kearney, US Fish and Wildlife Service.


New Jersey

Project Name: Teaneck Creek Wetlands Restoration
Five-Star Funds: $11,700
Grant To: Teaneck Creek Conservancy, Inc.
Project Location: Teaneck, New Jersey

The Teaneck Creek Conservancy will execute the removal of exotic vegetation and replace it with native vegetation in the northern part of the Teaneck Creek Conservancy Area of Overpeck Park. When restored, the 2.5 acre site will include a diverse mosaic of riparian wetlands including emergent fresh water tidal wetlands, forested/shrub wetlands and wetlands meadow. The invasive species being removed include multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), common reed (Phragmites australis), Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), and purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria). Project partners include the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Puffin Foundation, Rutgers University, TRC Omni Environmental Corp, and Master Gardener and Teaneck Creek Conservancy Volunteer Leader Jules Orkin.


New Mexico

Project Name: Comanche Springs Wetlands, Initial Implementation, Fencing
Five-Star Funds: $10,000
Grant To: Manzano Conservation Foundation
Project Location: Los Lunas, New Mexico

Manzano Conservation Foundation is starting the first step in a 5-year plan, to restore and protect the wetlands that provide habitat for birds and other wildlife, including five federal species of "Concern and Priority." The project will remove non-native plant species and debris, and erect a fence to protect the area. University of New Mexico graduate students will be using their watershed management classes to conduct wetlands assessments. Project partners include New Mexico State University, Science Center, Valencia County Soil and Water District, Valencia County 4-H, Boy Scout Troop 110 and Valencia County Extension Service.


New York

Project Name: Wetland Restoration and Education in the Upper Susquehanna River Watershed
Five-Star Funds: $9,900
Grant To: Tioga County Soil and Water Conservation District
Project Location: Cayuta, Elmira, and Waverly, New York

The Tioga County Soil and Water Conservation District will focus on developing a wetland complex and an interpretative wetlands trail on the Cotton-Hanlon project site, a drained wetland and open field in the town of Cayuta, New York. They will restore approximately 20 acres back to a diverse wetland complex complete with scrub-shrub habitat, emergent wetland habitat, vernal pool habitat, and open water habitat which will all be planted with native species. Project partners include Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation District, Cotton-Hanlon, Carantouan Greenway, Tanglewood Nature Center, BOCES Conservation Class, The Upper Susquehanna Coalition, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The New York State Department of Transportation, Chemung County Federation of Fly Fishermen, and Schuyler County 4H / Youth Development.

Project Name: Bridge Park Habitat Restoration
Five-Star Funds: $10,000
Grant To: New York Restoration Project
Project Location: New York City, New York

The New York Restoration Project will restore a 3.4 acre public park in the South Bronx. The NYRP will plant Paw paw trees (Asimina triloba), Willow Oaks (Quercus phellos), Sweetbay Magnolias (Magnolia virginiana), and Water-ash (Ptelea trifoliate), all endangered native New York species. They will also plant Bald Cypress and Black Tupelp trees, to contribute to the shoreline stabilization and help prevent further erosion, and improve the soil by adding organic matter, including leaves, woodchips and compost. Project partners include the Wood Promotion Network, the Brownstone Family Foundation, the Dyson Family Foundation, UBS Financial Services, and the Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation.


North Carolina

Project Name: Student Wetland Nursery Program
Five-Star Funds: $10,000
Grant To: North Carolina Coastal Federation
Project Location: Morehead City, Wrightsville Beach, Harkers Island, and Morris Landing, North Carolina

The North Carolina Coastal Federation will develop seven wetland nurseries, cultivate 17,500 wetland plants, and restore 1.61 acres of shoreline. The program will educate at least 175 students and teachers about the value of wetlands through their active involvement in cultivating and planting wetland plants and reach 500,000 households with information about the Student Wetland Nursery Program. Project partners include regional middle schools, local property owners, Time Warner Cable, NC Environmental Education Fund, Restore America's Estuaries, and the North Carolina Coastal Federation.

Project Name: Wake County Exotic Invasive Species Control
Five-Star Funds: $9,500
Grant To: Wake County Environmental Services
Project Location: Zebulon, North Carolina

Wake County Environmental Services will restore 11.5 acres of riverine habitat near the Little River through the implementation of an exotic invasive species control program. The project will remove 95% of Chinese Privet and Japanese Stilt grass, which threaten native species and the extremely rare granitic flatrock ecosystem acreage located at the site. Significant educational outreach will be conducted through a workshop at the site and the incorporation of field activities targeted towards local public schools. Project partners include Wake County Environmental Services, North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Parks and Recreation, NC Museum of Natural Sciences, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), BASF Corporation, US Geological Survey, and US Fish & Wildlife Service.


Ohio

Project Name: Upper Mill Creek Riparian Restoration and Stormwater Wetland Enhancement
Five-Star Funds: $12,000
Grant To: Butler County Soil and Water Conservation District
Project Location: West Chester, Ohio

Butler County Soil and Water Conservation District will restore 420 linear feet of riparian corridor. The existing detention basin will be transformed and restored, and monitored to evaluate efficiency. The innovative water quality design will act as a model to educate the Butler County urban development community, as well as heighten the public's perception of water resources. Partners include, Beckett Ridge Homeowners Assoc., Miami (OH) University, Institute Of Environmental Sciences, Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources and Butler County Stormwater District.

Project Name: YMCA Wetland Restoration and Education Program
Five-Star Funds: $7,600
Grant To: Lake County YMCA
Project Location: Perry, Ohio

Lake County YMCA will be reconstructing a shallow water wetland area at the Perry YMCA. Over 3,000 children will use this area as an educational classroom annually. Non-native species will be eradicated and replaced by native plants. Project partners include Lake Soil and Water Conservation District, Boy Scouts and Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Hallmark Excavating and USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS).


Oklahoma

Project Name: Proposal to Establish an Aquatic Plant Nursery to Assist in the Creation of a Wetland Littoral Zone in Lake Wister, OK
Five-Star Funds: $10,000
Grant To: Oklahoma Water Resources Board
Project Location: Poteau, Oklahoma

Oklahoma Water Resources Board is going to establish nursery ponds close to Wister Lake, by transplanting softstem bulrush from McAlester Army Ammunition Plant property. This will allow for sustained long-term effort to control suspended solids in Wister Lake. A technical bulletin will detail the transplanting of bulrush and be distributed through Wister COE and KCSA offices. Partners include Poteau Valley Improvement Authority, Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wister Project.


Oregon

Project Name: Watershed Field Days
Five-Star Funds: $10,000
Grant To: Umatilla Morrow Education Service District
Project Location: Umatilla and Morrow Counties, Oregon

The Umatilla-Morrow Education Service District will organize more than 800 fifth grade students and approximately 100 high school students to restore three riparian zones within the Umatilla River Basin. Students will receive on-site natural science lessons and engage in stream bank stabilization and restoration projects at all three sites. Project partners include the Umatilla and Morrow County Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the National Weather Service, local educators, and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.


Pennsylvania

Project Name: Latodami Riparian Restoration Project
Five-Star Funds: $10,000
Grant To: Allegheny County Parks Department
Project Location: Wexford, Pennsylvania

The Allegheny County Parks Department - Latodami Environmental Education Center will design and implement a riparian restoration project to increase biodiversity and improve biological productivity along a forested riparian area along the Grom Run watershed. The restoration will remove exotic plants, replant the area with native species, create four vernal ponds, restabilize stream banks and monitor and maintain the area for three years. Project partners include Friends of Latodami Environmental Education Center, The Audubon Society of Western PA (ASWP), The North Area Environmental Council (NAEC), PA Fish and Boat Commission, and Pittsburgh Cares Youth Service Initiative (YSI).

Project Name: Pioneer Project - Environmental Enhancement Project
Five-Star Funds: $10,000
Grant To: The Pennsylvania Institute for Conservation Education
Project Location: Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Institute for Conservation Education will restore landscape from a developed area into a native landscape while reestablishing a healthy fish habitat. Approximately ¼ mile of Meadow Run and 2 acres of riparian buffer area will be restored. Restoration involves leveling and hardening the project area with aggregates and adding larger stone to the shoreline along the entire length of the project site to stabilize and protect the shoreline area from erosion. Project partners include American Adventure Sports, Pioneer Project "Pass It On" Outdoor Mentors, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Big Brothers / Big Sisters, and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.


South Carolina

Project Name: Watershed Restoration and Education in Aiken County, South Carolina
Five-Star Funds: $15,000
Grant To: University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc.
Project Location: Aiken County, SC

The University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc. will begin restoring a riparian zone along two parcels of land totaling 185 acres that surround a portion of Shaw Creek, the main water source for the city of Aiken, SC. Community volunteers will remove invasive plant species and plant native species at the project site. Education about the project will include classroom presentations at local schools, regional teacher workshops, and forums designed for landowners and businesses that have the highest potential to impact local streams. Project partners include the city of Aiken Planning Department, Aiken County Planning Department, Aiken County Open Land Trust, Aiken Sunrise Rotary Club, and Millbrook Elementary School.


South Dakota

Project Name: Protection and Restoration of Little Spearfish Headwaters
Five-Star Funds: $10,000
Grant To: Little Spearfish Conservation and Historic Preservation Association
Project Location: Piedmont, South Dakota

The Little Spearfish Conservation and Historic Preservation Association will restore and protect the Little Spearfish headwaters area by removing one dam, restoring a 100 yard section of natural stream channel, and building one mile of fencing to prevent open-range cattle from grazing at the site. The restoration efforts will provide educational opportunities for collaboration with the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and the Black Hills Natural Sciences Field Station. Project partners include Lawrence County and the West Dakota Water Development District.


Texas

Project Name: Habitat Restoration at the Sabal Palm Audubon Sanctuary
Five-Star Funds: $5,000
Grant To: Audobon Texas
Project Location: Brownsville, Texas

Audubon Texas will restore 150 acres of fallow fields at the Sabal Palm Audubon Sanctuary in Brownsville, adjacent to US Fish & Wildlife Service and The Nature Conservancy lands. Volunteers will plant more than 40 species of native seeds and seedlings, in conjunction with habitat education and training activities. The project includes removal of exotic plants through controlled burns and herbicide treatments to prepare the soil for native vegetation plantings. Project partners include The Nature Conservancy, U.S. Border Patrol, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Brownsville Winter Texans, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, and the Pine Tree Conservation Society.

Project Name: Austin Water Quality Protection Lands Riparian Restoration
Five-Star Funds: $15,000
Grant To: Treefolks, Inc.
Project Location: Austin, Texas

Treefolks, Inc. will target degraded riparian areas of the Onion Creek watershed unit for restoration. The creek will be reforested with approximately 18,000 native seedlings, which will be done by the 80 volunteers who will be trained in tree planting, seed collecting and water quality monitoring. As a result of this project 3,500 citizens and trainees will be educated on the values of riparian protection and enhancement. Partners on the project include American Youthworks, Hill Country Foundation, the Texas Riparian Association and the City of Austin.


Utah

Project Name: Utah's Vital Wetlands: The Sandhill Crane Habitat Restoration Project
Five-Star Funds: $10,500
Grant To: The Colby School
Project Location: Park City, UT

The Colby School will restore four to five acres of wetland within the Swaner Nature Preserve. Restoration will improve upon and create habitat for the Sandhill Crane. All students of the Colby School in Park City will be a part of the restoration through plantings, the use of a greenhouse, removal of noxious weeds, and field trips to local wetland areas. Project partners include the Swaner Nature Preserve, Recycle Utah, Lone Tree Nursery, Summit County, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).


Virginia

Project Name: Restoration of Holmes Run and Reforestation of Luria Park
Five-Star Funds: $4,700
Grant To: Northern Virginia Conservation Trust
Project Location: Annandale, Virginia

The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust will restore riparian habitats in a number of parks throughout Fairfax County. They will plant 750 native plants in a riparian area of approximately 7,200 square feet. The plantings will provide shads, bank stabilization, and organic matter for the stream which will increase water quality and aquatic habitat. Partners include The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust, Earth Sangha, The Fairfax Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, The Virginia Department of Forestry, The Fairfax County Park Authority, The Holmes Run Acres Civic Association, and Starbuck's Coffee.


Washington

Project Name: Klickitat River Riparian Restoration
Five-Star Funds: $10,000
Grant To: Columbia Gorge Ecology Institute
Project Location: Lyle, Washington

The Columbia Gorge Ecology Institute will restore one acre of wetland and 30 acres of riparian area along an important habitat for several endangered, threatened, and sensitive species within the Klickitat River. Community volunteers and up to 800 students will eliminate invasive species, re-establish native plants, and participate in site-based education about riparian restoration and endangered, threatened, and sensitive fish and wildlife species of the project area. Project partners include the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Columbia Gorge School Districts, Northwest Service Academy, and the US Forest Service.

Project Name: Mashel Restoration Project
Five-Star Funds: $10,000
Grant To: South Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group
Project Location: Pierce County, WA

The South Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group will restore 1.44 miles of important spawning and rearing habitat for Chinhook salmon, winter steelhead, and Coho Salmon within the Mashel River. The project team will work with volunteers to engage in weed treatment, riparian plantings, maintenance, and monitoring. Project partners include Pierce County, Pierce Conservation District, Nisqually Indian Tribe, Salmon Recovery Funding Board, Town of Eatonville, Pierce County Stream Team, Nisqually Stream Stewards, and the Nisqually River Education Project.


West Virginia

Project Name: Morgan County Purple Loosestrife Control
Five-Star Funds: $5,000
Grant To: Sleepy Creek Watershed Association
Project Location: Berkeley Springs, West Virginia

The Sleepy Creek Watershed Association will restore the Warm Springs Run by controlling the Purple Loosestrife population through the application of glyphosate herbicide. This restoration project will be done in several different methods over 15 acres of riparian acres along Warm Springs Run in Morgan County. Volunteers will be trained in safe pesticide use, application procedures, and will carry out five years of follow-up monitoring. The community will be educated about the extremely invasive species through newspaper articles, the county fair, and mailings. Project partners include WVU Extension Services, WV Division of Natural Resources, WV Department of Agriculture, WV Division of Environmental Protection, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Potomac Headwaters RC&D, Eastern Panhandle Conservation District, and Morgan County Master Gardeners Association.

 

Project Name: Red Spruce and Balsam Fir Ecosystem Restoration
Five-Star Funds: $5,000
Grant To: The West Virginia Highlands Conservancy
Project Location: Davis, West Virginia

The West Virginia Highlands Conservancy will target specific wetland and riparian habitats on the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge to begin a restoration program for conifer wetland forested communities. They will purchase 5,000 native balsam fir and red spruce seedlings and plant approximately 30 acres of wetland and riparian habitat in the Canaan Valley and Blackwater River watershed. Project partners include The Aldridge Academy and local Boy Scout troop, the National Resource Conservation Service, the Highlands Conservancy, the Friends of Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, The Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Snowshoe Ski Resort, Quarterpine Farms, Davis and Elkins College, The Nature Conservancy, and Elkins High School.


Wisconsin

 

Project Name:Milwaukee River Watershed Stewardship Corps Project
Five-Star Funds: $10,000
Grant To: The Ozaukee Washington Land Trust, Inc.
Project Location: Trenton, Fredonia, Cedarburg and Mequon, Wisconsin

The Ozaukee Washington Land Trust, Inc. will be restoring the native plant communities and wildlife habitat on four protected properties. The Stewardship Corps. will continue to use this as a training locale, and the land will also open up for environmental education purposes and nature-based recreation. The area is currently degraded and will thus be restored to maintain great diversity and function. Project partners include the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Cheryl Brickman, Gary Casper, Serigraph, Inc., West Bend Mutual Insurance Company, Brico Fund and Wisconsin Waterfowl Association.


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