Water: 5 Star Wetland Restoration & Grants
Grants & FundingWetlands5 Star Wetland Restoration & Grants2007 5 Star Grant Program Recipients2007 5 Star Grant Program Recipients
Alabama
Project Title: Tanner Williams Elementary School Rain Garden Creation Program
Recipient: Mobile County
Foundation Non-Federal Funds: $10,065
Matching Funds: $11,000
Total Project Costs: $21,065
Project Area: Wilmer, Alabama
Mobile County, Alabama will partner to create a 3000 square foot rain garden that will help protect Big Creek, the primary source of drinking water for the Mobile Metropolitan area. Volunteers will prepare the site and a two day rain garden demonstration workshop will educate participants on proper rain garden creation techniques. Students at Tanner Williams Elementary School will participate by learning about the rain garden's benefits for clean water and natural species. The success of the project will be monitored and the county will develop a brochure designed to launch a county-wide rain garden program. Project partners include Mobile County, Alabama Coastal Foundation, South Alabama Nurserymen's Association, Tanner Williams Elementary School, Mobile County Master Gardener's Association and Mobile Area Water and Sewer System.
Project Title: Harvey Reed Park Wetland Restoration (AL)
Recipient: Cawaco Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc.
Foundation Federal Funds: $10,000
Matching Funds: $41,840
Total Project Costs: $51,840
Project Area: Centerpoint, Alabama
The Cawaco Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc. will restore 1.5 acres of Harvey Reed Park by planting native species to improve habitat for fish and wildlife as well as water quality of contributing stormwater runoff. The project will re-contour the urban stream channel using natural design techniques to correct severe erosion from stormwater. The new channel design will create safety and stabilization to the walking path leading to the park and the future Five Mile Creek Greenway, allowing the community to access the park. Project partners include the Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ENSR, the City of Centerpoint, and the Jefferson County Roads and Transportation Department.
Project Title: Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Gardening (AL)
Recipient: Dauphin Island Sea Lab
Foundation Federal Funds: $20,000
Matching Funds: $50,000
Total Project Costs: $70,000
Project Area: Gulf Shores, Alabama
The Dauphin Island Sea Lab will restore 0.25 acres to Little Lagoon in Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge through submerged aquatic vegetation plantings. The plantings will restore vital coastal wetlands habitat, overcome obstacles associated with the challenging process of submerged aquatic vegetation planting, and engage and educate volunteers. High school student volunteers will learn techniques important to the process of submerged aquatic vegetation planting, as well as the benefits offered to the ecosystem by this habitat. The techniques that will be used for the restoration at Little Lagoon will be transferable to similar projects in the Mobile bay estuarine system and beyond. The restoration of submerged aquatic vegetation will directly benefit a host of diverse fauna which depend on the vegetation, including recreationally and commercially important fish and crustaceans. Project partners will include the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Bon Secour National Wildlife refuge.
Project Title: Turkey Creek Nature Preserve
Recipient: Southern Environmental Center
Foundation Federal Funds: $20,000
Matching Funds: $39,250
Total Project Costs: $59,250
Project Area: Pinson, AL
The Southern Environmental Center, in partnership with Vulcan Materials, Youth Leadership Forum, Thompson Tractor, Forever Wild, ENSR, and the Jefferson County Commission, will restore fifty feet of stream bank in a 700-acre nature preserve along Turkey Creek. The project will also remove invasive species in the area, plant native species, construct a porous walkway, improve the access road, relocate parking areas, and plant a meadow garden in old parking areas. Through these efforts, the project will reduce sediment run-off, erosion, and stream bank degradation. This will improve water quality for vermillion darter habitat. In addition, the general area's appearance and accessibility will improve, and storm water runoff will be reduced. The project and Turkey Creek preserve will be utilized as an outdoor lab for Birmingham-Southern College's Urban Environmental Studies program, visitor education, and Eagle Scouts projects. SEC will work with Pinson Elementary, Rudd Middle, and Pinson High schools to create a Darter Adoption Program, organize fieldtrips, and hold an annual Turkey Creek Festival.
Arizona
Project Title: Pasture Canyon Parkway Restoration Project
Recipient: The Moencopi Day School
Foundation Federal Funds: $12,100
Matching Funds: $18,897
Total Project Costs: $30,997
Project Area: Moencopi, Coconino County, AZ
The Moencopi Day School will work with the Hopi Office of Water Resources, Hopi Office of Range Management, Western Forest & Conservation Association, USDA Forest Service, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to restore 7 acres of wetlands habitat and 1000 linear feet of riparian buffer habitat. Students will cultivate native plants in a school greenhouse and use these to benefit Hopi and Navajo people. Approximately tribal 200 students will plant emergent native wetland vegetation and take part in education programs, strengthening their schools natural sciences curriculum. A long term project monitoring plan will be implemented by the Hopi Tribe's Office of Water Resources.
California
Project Title: Freshwater Creek Estuary Rehabilitation and Education Project
Recipient: Northcoast Regional Land Trust
Foundation Federal Funds: $18,800
Matching Funds: $99,874
Total Project Costs: $118,674
Project Area: Eureka, Humboldt County, CA
The Northcoast Regional Land Trust will work with the California Department of Natural Resources, Redwood Community Action Agency, Freshwater Farms Nursery, and the Humboldt Area Foundation to restore the tidal hydrology and fish access to 35 acres if former tideland, increasing estuarine rearing habitat and providing access for salmon and other marine species. The project will include public and student outreach through monthly guided walks of the project site, presentations at schools, and canoe recreation days to highlight the increased public access gained through this project. Restoration activities include; removal of a tidegate, excavation and re-grading of channels important for habitat, replacement of a dysfunctional culvert with a bridge and overall site cleanup.
Project Title: Native Plant Restoration and Habitat Enhancement Project at Bullfrog Pond, King Ranch
Recipient: Solano Resource Conservation District (SRDC)
Foundation Federal Funds: $14,570
Matching Funds: $17,616
Total Project Costs: $32,186
Project Area: Cordelia, California
The Solano Resource Conservation District (SRDC) will partner to restore 2 acres of native wetland and riparian vegetation along Bullfrog Pond in King Ranch. The site contains a number of threatened species that will benefit from the project including the threatened California Red Legged frog. Local high school students will participate in three hands-on restoration field days at the site. Project partners include Solano Resource Conservation District, Audubon CA Landowner Stewardship Program, Solano Land Trust, Center for Land Based Learning, and Fairfield Suisun Unified School District of Solano County.
Colorado
Project Title: Colorado Gulch Good Samaritan Wetland Treatment Project
Recipient: Trout Unlimited
Foundation Federal Funds: $14,000
Matching Funds: $86,758
Total Project Costs: $88,158
Project Area: Leadville, Lake County, CO
Trout Unlimited will work with Colorado Mountain College, Collegiate Peaks Anglers TU Chapter, Colorado School of Mines, Colorado Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety, and the Lake Fork Watershed Working Group to restore 1.5 acres of wetland at the mouth of Colorado Gulch above its confluence with the Lake Fork of the Arkansas River near Leadville, Colorado. This restoration project will restore the wetlands ability to filter heavy metals from abandoned mine lands and improve water quality and fish habitat in the Lake Fork watershed. Outreach to the public will include ongoing public tours of the restoration site as well as reports, pamphlets and presentations. Colorado Mountain College students will be provided with a long-term educational opportunity through participating in the restoration of this site in this degraded watershed.
Florida
Project Title: The Restoration of Deadman's Island
Recipient: Northwest Florida Aquatic Preserves Office/CAMA
Foundation Non-Federal Funds: $20,000
Matching Funds: $20,000
Total Project Costs: $40,000
Project Area: Gulf Breeze, Florida
The Northwest Florida Aquatic Preserves Office will partner to restore 4 acres of emergent salt marsh and protect 1,240 feet of shoreline in the vicinity of Deadman's Island. Project partners will place 240 artificial vertical oyster reef structures along approximately 1,240 linear feet of shoreline and use dredge spoil behind the structures to establish the marsh. Vocational students from Escambia and Okaloosa county school districts will construct the reef structures and local green houses classes, school children and volunteers will plant the newly formed marsh. The ultimate goal upon completion of the project is permanent protection of the site through incorporation into the adjacent Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve. Project partners include the Northwest Florida Aquatic Preserves Office, City of Gulf Breeze, Escambia County School District, Okaloosa County School District, University of West Florida, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and Florida Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas.
Project Title: Northwest Florida Grasses in Classes program
Recipient: Partnership for Community Programs, Inc.
Foundation Federal Funds: $19,905
Matching Funds: $21,500
Total Project Costs: $41,405
Project Area: Northwest Florida
The Partnership for Community Programs, Inc. will restore and enhance run a Grasses in Classes program that will produce enough vegetation to restore and enhance 7.63 acres of wetland and restore 3,673 feet of riparian corridor. The Program is a hands-on, interactive education project that will enable students to play a direct role in shoreline stabilization and restoration projects. Students will maintain and monitor a nursery of coastal aquatic and emergent vegetation. Students will gain a sense of stewardship by studying the ecological importance of coastal plant species and by participating in restoration projects. Two schools from each of seven coastal counties will participate in the project, and the project will train at least 10 teachers in propagation techniques of coastal plants and at least 20 Master Gardener and Florida Master Naturalist volunteers in site assessment and recommendations. Project partners will include the University of Florida Sea Grant Extension Program, Florida yards and Neighborhoods Extension, the School Districts of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, and Bay Counties, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Bay Area Resource Council, and the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance.
Project Title: Living Shoreline Restoration (FL)
Recipient: Walton College
Foundation Federal Funds: $20,000
Matching Funds: $80,000
Total Project Costs: $100,000
Project Area: Destin, Florida
Walton College will restore 0.3 acres of land at Mattie Kelly Park by removing invasive plant species and replanting native wetland vegetation. The project will also create an oyster reef at Joe's Bayou Recreation Area to improve water quality, create fish and invertebrate habitat, and act as a living breakwater to help protect the shoreline from increased erosion. The project will consist of marsh vegetation plantings on 200 feet of eroded shoreline to provide stabilization, protection, and sand accumulation, thereby restoring the living shoreline. Educational volunteer activities will be planned for every part of the project to emphasize the importance of living shoreline solutions and creating a sustainable framework for future restoration and stewardship activities. Project partners will include the City of Destin, the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Mattie Kelly Cultural and Environmental Institute.
Project Title: Ecosystem Restoration at Liza Jackson Park (FL)
Recipient: Walton College
Foundation Federal Funds: $20,000
Matching Funds: $289,000
Total Project Costs: $309,000
Project Area: Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Walton College will restore approximately 1,000 feet of creek shoreline in Liza Jackson Park by altering a channelized, stormwater outfall canal to form a meandering stream. Returning the creek to a more natural, vegetated setting will reduce stormwater velocity runoff. The improved water quality will help reduce bacterial pollution into Santa Rosa Sound and will reduce beach closures in the park's swimming areas. The project will include a volunteer litter clean up and education day, educating local school children on the impact of non-point source pollution, the role of shoreline vegetation, and the importance of sound practices for clean water management. Project partners will include the Northwest Florida Management District, the City of Fort Walton Beach, the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, the University of Florida Sea Grant, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Project Title: Project Greenshores Site II (FL)
Recipient: Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Foundation Federal Funds: $20,000
Matching Funds: $25,000
Total Project Costs: $45,000
Project Area: Pensacola, Florida
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection will propagate, care for, and restore 21 acres of emergent submerged aquatic vegetation along the northern shoreline of Pensacola bay. Oyster reefs will be constructed along the edge of the marsh using recycled concrete rubble that will serve to provide habitat for filter-feeding organisms, while also protecting the newly created salt marsh from erosion. Seven acres of oyster reef habitat and fourteen acres of salt marsh will be created at this site. The project will also include the construction of sidewalk, observation platforms, and a nature trail. The project will involve a hands-on approach by utilizing many volunteers from all aspects of the community, including students from local schools, civic organizations, environmental clubs, and local businesses. Project partners will include the city of Pensacola, Escambia County, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Santa Rosa County Sea Grant Extension and Escambia County Sea Grant Extension.
Project Title: Oyster Lake Restoration
Recipient: Partnership for Community Programs Inc.
Foundation Federal Funds: $17,101
Matching Funds: $24,750
Total Project Costs: $40,851
Project Area: Pensacola, Florida
The Partnership for Community Programs Inc. will restore 2.71 acres of Oyster Lake by removing invasive species and planting woody and herbaceous species. The project will improve the habitat for such animal and plant species as the Choctawhatchee Beach Mouse, the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker, the Panhandle Spiderlily, Southern Milkweed, and Godfrey's Golden Aster. The project will also result in the reduction of upstream flooding in the area. Long term monitoring and management will include on-site monitoring of water quality and wildlife observations conducted by volunteers. Project partners will include the University of Florida Sea Grant Extension, the Bay Area Resource Council, the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance, the Walton Coastal Dune Lake Advisory Boards, the South Walton Community Council, and the Northwest Florida Water Management District.
Georgia
Project Title: Varnell Springs Community Educational Outreach Trail
Recipient: Conasauga River Alliance
Foundation Federal Funds: $8,200
Matching Funds: $6,250
Total Project Costs: $14,450
Project Area: Varnell, Whitfield County, GA
The Conasauga River Alliance will to build on and protect conservation investments made over the last three years to restore and protect a three-acre limestone springs complex in Varnell Georgia. The Varnell Springs Community Educational Outreach Trail will involve the City of Varnell, Limestone Valley RC & D, Whitfield County and Dalton College to create a boardwalk meant to protect sensitive emerging wetland vegetation and also to provide a platform for educating future stewards of Varnell Springs about the restoration project and protecting this water resource. Education aspects include targeted outreach utilizing 25 interpretive signs and a stewardship mentoring program.
Project Title: Lake Oconee Island Restoration (GA)
Recipient: Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Foundation Federal Funds: $15,740
Matching Funds: $33,000
Total Project Costs: $48,740
Project Area: Greene and Morgan Counties, Georgia
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources will restore approximately ten acres of ecologically valuable habitat in Lake Oconee to prevent further island erosion. The project will place rip-rap along three islands to provide bank stabilization. In addition, fishery enhancements, such as sunken cedar trees and spawning gravel, will be placed along the shoreline by volunteers from a local anglers club. Volunteers at Reynolds Plantation heritage and Nature Center will enhance wetland and upland habitat with migratory bird attractors such as wood duck houses and native plantings of water willow and cypress. Project partners will include the Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership, the Georgia Power Company, Lake Oconee Anglers Club, Reynolds Plantation Heritage and Nature Center, and the Boy Scouts of America.
Project Title: Chicopee Woods Weed Control Project (GA)
Recipient: Elachee Nature Science Center
Foundation Federal Funds: $10,000
Matching Funds: $36,388
Total Project Costs: $46,388
Project Area: Gainesville, Georgia
Elachee Nature Science Center will restore 15 acres of riparian habitat within the Upper Walnut Creek Watershed, in the Oconee River Basin, by treating six acres of Kudzu infestation, six acres of privet infestation, and three acres of Microstegium infestation identified in the local management plan. Through mapping, monitoring, and controlling these infestations using a pest management strategy, this project will restore and protect native riparian plant communities and enhance biodiversity. The project will educate local students, teachers and the public on the adverse impacts of exotic invasive species on native habitats, and increase public support fir local conservation efforts and awareness of exotic invasive species and the threats they pose. Project partners include the Chicopee Woods Area Park Commission, the Georgia Exotic Pest Plant Council, Gainesville College and State University, Hall County, the City of Gainesville, the Georgia Forestry Commission, the Hall County Soil and Water Conservation District, and Kudzu Free Communities.
Idaho
Project Title: Boise River Riparian Restoration
Recipient: Ted TrueBlood Chapter of Trout Unlimited
Foundation Federal Funds: $12,000
Matching Funds: $27,000
Total Project Costs: $39,000
Project Area: Boise, Idaho
The Ted TrueBlood Chapter of Trout Unlimited will partner to restore approximately 1,200 square feet of streambank at two to three sites along the Lower Boise River. Restoration techniques will demonstrate appropriate streambank improvement techniques by avoiding the use of rip rap and other hard structures and instead focusing on riparian vegetation. The projects will involve community volunteers and students and reach a broader audience through a community forum and permanent signage. Project partners include Ted TrueBlood Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Ada County Parks and Waterways, Boise Public Works Department, Edwards Mother Earth Foundation, Rotary Club of Boise and Timberline High School.
Iowa
Project Title: Otranto Wildlife Area Project
Recipient: Mitchell County Conservation Board
Foundation Federal Funds: $20,000
Matching Funds: $25,000
Total Project Costs: $45,000
Project Area: St. Ansgar, Iowa
The Mitchell County Conservation Board will partner to restore 82 acres of wetland in the Otranto Wildlife Area which is adjacent to the impaired Cedar River. The total project will restore 98 acres of tall grass native prairie, cut tile lines on 60 acres to restore wetland hydrology, and with the construction of two small dikes, to block drainage ditches, will restore approximately 22 acres of palustrine wetlands. The restored site will eliminate herbicide and pesticide use on 180 acres adjacent to the Cedar River and will help filter and additional 300 acres of private cropland. Students from St. Ansgar School District will help hand seed the site and teachers will utilize the area as an outdoor classroom. Project partners include Mitchell County Conservation Board, Mitchell County Board of Supervisors, Mitchell County Highway Department, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and St. Ansgar School.
Kansas
Project Title: Prairie Band Potawatomi Wetland Restoration Project
Recipient: Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation
Foundation Federal Funds: $7,000
Matching Funds: $7,000
Total Project Costs: $14,000
Project Area: Mayetta, Jackson County (PBPN Reservation), KS
The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation will work with the PBPN Boys and Girls Club, PBPN Elder Center, PBPN Road & bridge Department, Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams, Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education and NRCS Jackson County PBPN Environmental Protection Department to restore approximately three acres of wetlands on the 11 square mile Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Reservation. Project outcomes include improved habitat for migrating birds, erosion prevention, increased awareness of one hundred K-12 students about the importance of wetlands, and targeted outreach to specific groups responsible for sustaining and maintaining the project site. The restoration activities will include the mechanical removal of invasive plants and revegetation using emergent native vegetation on the site of the PBPN Boys and Girls Club.
Kentucky
Project Title: Lawrenceburg 5-Star Community Restoration Project
Recipient: City of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
Foundation Federal Funds: $17,542
Matching Funds: $17,758
Total Project Costs: $35,300
Project Area: Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
The City of Lawrenceburg will partner to restore portions of two streams that are devoid of vegetation and channelized. Project partners will restore 800 linear feet in total through clearing clogged culverts, removing excess sediment and invasive plants and planting native trees. Educational signage will be installed to educate the community and local schools will utilize the site as an outdoor classroom, including 40 students that will engage in monitoring. Project partners include Anderson County School District, City of Lawrenceburg, CDP Engineers, Inc., Lawrenceburg Animal Clinic, Bluegrass PRIDE and Shooting Star Nursery.
Louisiana
Project Title: Caddo Lake Giant Salvinia Collaborative Control Initiative
Recipient: Parish of Caddo
Foundation Federal Funds: $10,000
Matching Funds: $10,500
Total Project Costs: $20,500
Project Area: Oil City, Louisiana
The Parish of Caddo will partner to restore nearly 100 acres of Caddo Lake, which is recognized by the community as a wetland of critical importance. Project partners will develop a control strategy for the invasive aquatic weed, Giant salvinia and develop a public awareness campaign designed to make lake users aware of actions individuals can take to control the problem. Project partners include Caddo Parish Commission, Louisiana Wildlife& Fisheries Department, Oil City Elementary Environmental Magnet School and Greater Caddo Lake Association.
Maryland
Project Title: Wetland Enhancement and Student Participatory Learning at Dr. Gustavus Brown Elementary School
Recipient: Charles County Government
Foundation Federal Funds: $13,689
Matching Funds: $29,556
Total Project Costs: $43,245
Project Area: Waldorf, MD
Charles County Government will partner to create and enhance 3.5 acres of wetlands at Dr. Gustavus Brown Elementary School. Over 300 students will participate in hands on educational activities at the site such as planting nearly 17,000 native plants. The county will monitor the site into the future and continue to offer educational opportunities for students. Project partners include Charles County Department of Planning and Growth Management, Charles County Public Schools, Nanjemoy Creek Environmental Education Center, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Chesapeake Bay Trust and Wicomico Scenic River Commission.
Massachusetts
Project Title: Lessening Loosestrife
Recipient: Massachusetts Audubon Society Inc.
Foundation Federal Funds: $15,524
Matching Funds: $20,854
Total Project Costs: $36,378
Project Area: Wenham, Beverly Farms and Danvers, Essex County, MA
The Massachusetts Audubon Society Inc. will work with the Essex Agricultural and Technical High School, Glen Urquhart School, DeRosa Environmental Consulting Inc., Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, and the Massachusetts State Wetland Restoration Program to restore wetland habitats through the control of invasive purple loosestrife in 66 acres of the Great Marsh. This project will implement a regional pilot program to control invasive plants using beetles propagated in the classrooms of local schools. This activity will include training and education for teachers and students on beetle propagation and their role in controlling invasive plants. The project will use pre and post project monitoring to evaluate the effectiveness of this control method before deploying it elsewhere.
Michigan
Project Title: Jordan Creek Buffer Project
Recipient: BP St. Clair LPG Terminal/Dome Petroleum Corporation
Foundation Federal Funds: $4,425
Matching Funds: $5,420
Total Project Costs: $9,845
Project Area: St. Clair, Michigan
BP St. Clair LPG Terminal/Dome Petroleum Corporation will partner to restore 2 acres along a 600 foot section of Jordan Creek located on BP corporate property. The restoration activities will occur during St. Clair County's River Day Celebration, which is expected to draw nearly 1,000 participants. At least 25 volunteers will be taught about water quality stewardship and will plant native plugs and seed prairie grass to help stabilize the creek and decrease sedimentation. Long term monitoring will be accomplished by the St. Clair county Drain Office in consultation with Dome Petroleum staff. Project partners include BP St. Clair/Dome Petroleum, St. Claire County Drain Office, St. Claire County Health Department, Pine River Nature Center, Wildlife Habitat Council Huron to Erie Project and community volunteers.
Project Title: River Raisin Shoreline Restoration
Recipient: City of Monroe
Foundation Federal Funds: $10,000
Matching Funds: $46,000
Total Project Costs: $56,000
Project Area: Monroe, MI
The City of Monroe, in partnership with DTE Energy, Metropolitan Affairs Coalition, Monroe County Drain Commissioner, River Raisin Watershed Council, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, and the Wildlife Habitat Council, will recreate 500 feet of natural shoreline for fish and migratory bird habitat on DTE Energy's Monroe Power Plant. The project will create habitat by taking a shoreline of broken concrete, and from that developing a wetland edge and a fifteen feet wide upland buffer area planted with native species. In addition to recreating wildlife habitat, the project will be used as a demonstration project to promote public-private partnerships for habitat restoration along the Raisin River, and create volunteer and educational opportunities for Monroe Public School children, Monroe 4-H, and Monroe Master Gardeners.
Project Title: Ecorse Creek Wetland Demonstration & Bank Stabilization Project
Recipient: City Of Ecorse, DDA
Foundation Federal Funds: $20,000
Matching Funds: $278,393
Total Project Costs: $298,393
Project Area: Ecorse, MI
The City of Ecorse will work with the Ecorse Stream Team, River Vision, Ecorse Department of Public Works, and United States Steel Corporation to restore 1600 feet of Creek bank and construct a 2.5-acre wetland project with educational viewing platforms. The project is part of a larger city initiative designed to reposition the city as the "Gateway to the Detroit River," and with the purpose of creating a path back into history to a place of natural abundance. The restoration site is located in a 60-acre Brownfield but many of the creek's natural features are largely intact, holding nineteen identified endangered or threatened species. The restored area will sit on the Ecorse Creek Greenway and will help maintain a riparian buffer along Ecorse Creek, while allowing minimal disturbance public access and providing educational opportunities for residents from three neighboring cities, community organizations, and area students.
Mississippi
Project Title: Restoration of Riparian Corridor (MS)
Recipient: Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain
Foundation Federal Funds: $20,000
Matching Funds: $20,000
Total Project Costs: $40,000
Project Area: Gulfport, Mississippi
The Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain will restore 890 feet of riparian corridor within the Turkey Creek Greenway and 104 acres of the riparian corridor along Turkey Creek to improve water quality and other functions of the habitat. The project will also educate volunteers and local residents about the importance of riparian corridors and native plants with respect to the health of the creek and their community. Project activities will include the removal of invasive species, planting of native species, and litter clean up at seven sites. A baseline assessment and management plan will be developed at these seven sites. Project partners include Wolf River Conservation Society, Inc., Turkey Creek Community Initiatives, Gulf Coast recovery Corps, and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.
Missouri
Project Title: Missouri Youth Conservation Corps
Recipient: Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation
Foundation Federal Funds: $15,677
Matching Funds: $63,576
Total Project Costs: $79,253
Project Area: Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield and Cape Girardeau, MO and KS
The Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation will work with the Hillsdale Water Quality Project, Kansas City Full Employment Council, Little Blue River Watershed Coalition, the Mingo National Wildlife Refuge/US Fish and Wildlife Service, Mers Goodwill, the Southeast Workforce Investment Board, and the Missouri Department of Conservation to engage Youth Conservation Corps crews in restoration work at four locations in Missouri and Kansas. These project sites will restore 21,000 acres of wetlands and 6,040 linear feet of riparian buffer habitat. Specific activities undertaken by Youth Conservation Corps crews include; native wetlands restoration, removal of in stream debris and monitoring, buffer enhancements, native grass plantings, aquatic habitat improvements and storm drain stenciling.
Montana
Project Title: Big Hole McDowell Reach Riparian Restoration Project/ Conference and Tour
Recipient: Big Hole Watershed Committee
Foundation Federal Funds: $13,150
Matching Funds: $204,494
Total Project Costs: $230,794
Project Area: Wisdom, Beaverhead County, MT
The Big Hole Watershed Committee will work with the Montana Department of Natural Resources Conservation, The Nature Conservancy, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Big Hole Watershed Committee, and private landowners to restore 15,000 linear feet of riparian buffer habitat while educating private landowners on the value of conservation on their property. This project will help to protect critical habitat of the endangered fluvial Arctic Grayling in the McDowell Reach or the Big Hole River. The project includes a 50 person two-day conference that will outline the important role agricultural conservation plays in protecting wildlife habitat. The conference will include a tour of the project site by 30 private landowners considering undertaking conservation actions on their own land.
New Mexico
Project Title: The Gila River Farm Project
Recipient: Upper Gila Watershed Alliance
Foundation Federal Funds: $13,018
Matching Funds: $24,631
Total Project Costs: $37,649
Project Area: Cliff, Grant County, NM
The Upper Gila Watershed Alliance will work with the Nature Conservancy, San Francisco River Association, T&E Inc. and Stream Dynamics to enhance four acres of riverside wetlands by engaging 50 students and volunteers in activities meant to return alfalfa fields to functional wildlife habitat. The Gila River is an ecologically significant area that is home to a diverse array of rare plants and animals. Activities include planting native trees, shrubs, and hedges to restore a shallow seasonal wetland pond, an irrigation return area, riparian woodland and a floodplain.
New York
Project Title: Proposed Wildlife Barrier for Reptiles & Amphibians along New York State Highway 68 at Upper and Lower Lakes Wildlife Management Area
Recipient: Clarkson University
Foundation Federal Funds: $11,701
Matching Funds: $28,479
Total Project Costs: $40,180 Project Area: Canton, St. Lawrence County, NY
Clarkson University will work with Potsdam University, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Department of Transportation, Iroquois Gas, and the St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators to install wildlife fencing along a high volume two-lane highway that bisects Upper & Lower Lakes Wildlife Management Area. This project is meant to reduce the rate of reptile mortality on the road way by directing wildlife to culverts. This project will involve a workshop to educate road way managers on proper methods of using and maintaining the project site and other wildlife fencing technologies. This project is expected to significantly reduce the annual mortality of turtles, snakes and frogs in the 4342 acres of wetlands in the Upper & Lower Lakes Wildlife Management Area.
Oregon
Project Title: Riparian Restoration using local Native Species in Southern Oregon
Recipient: Rogue Valley Council of Governments (RVCOG)
Foundation Federal Funds: $12,351
Matching Funds: $14,500
Total Project Costs: $26,851
Project Area: Central Point, Medford, Ashland, Phoenix and Talent, Jackson County, OR
The Rogue Valley Council of Governments (RVCOG) will work with OSU extension, Bear Creek Watershed Education Partners, Healthy Waters Institute, the Job Council, Bear Creek Watershed Council, Stuff Management, LLC., North Mountain Park, RVCOG, Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board and the Cities of Medford, Ashland, Phoenix, and Talent to reestablish native riparian vegetation and control invasive species. This volunteer driven project will use volunteer workshops to propagate native seedlings and then use these plants to plant approximately 1,000 native upland and wetland plants to improve watershed health. Private landowners will be engaged in the process and help promote the sustainability and stewardship of the site. The project also includes a monitoring and maintenance program to ensure the longevity of the site.
Project Title: 2007 OYCC/Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area Project
Recipient: Training and Employment Consortium
Foundation Federal Funds: $10,000
Matching Funds: $51,318
Total Project Costs: $61,318
Project Area: La Grande, Union County, OR
The Training and Employment Consortium will work with the Oregon Youth Conservation Corps, Training and Employment Consortium, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Community Youth Action Project, Workforce Investment Act, Grande Ronde Model Watershed and 6 school districts and Union/baker ESD to establish 2,000 linear feet of riparian buffer habitat along Ladd Creek. Project activities include maintenance of 3,000 linear feet of riparian plantings at a nearby restoration site, collect census data on 800 waterfowl, and transfer fish to the re-established historic Ladd Creek channel. Youth Corps members will also enhance education and stewardship through installation of interpretative signage along 2.1 miles of recreational trails in 1,500 acres of newly created wetlands.
Tennessee
Project Title: Kingfisher/Boseley Creek Restoration
Recipient: Cumberland River Compact
Foundation Federal Funds: $18,000
Matching Funds: $32,000
Total Project Costs: $50,000
Project Area: Nashville, Davidson County, TN
The Cumberland River Compact will work with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Project Blue Stream Founders, Whitland Neighborhood Association, Mid Tennessee Erosion Control, Invasive Plant Control, Inc., Metro Nashville, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, and the Mid Cumberland Watershed Committee to educate the community, replant riparian buffer habitat, and stabilize the stream bank of Kingfisher/Boseley Creek. The project will form a partnership between five schools to adopt the stream and will restore 8,250 linear feet of riparian buffer habitat.
Texas
Project Title: San Marcos River Restoration
Recipient: Texas State University River Systems Institute
Foundation Federal Funds: $19,600
Matching Funds: $59,220
Total Project Costs: $78,820
Project Area: San Marcos, Hays County, TX
The Texas State University River Systems Institute will work with Texas State University, the City of San Marcos, San Marcos River Federation, American Youthworks, and the San Marcos Lions Club to restore 1174 linear feet of riparian buffer habitat and 2.67 acres of hillside. It is estimated that 80 percent of shoreline habitat is currently compromised by invasive vegetation in this watershed, which is home to at least five endangered or threatened species. This project will remove invasive vegetation and plant 7832 native plants during 10 day service learning summer science camps.
Vermont
Project Title: Montpelier River Restoration Project
Recipient: Montpelier Conservation Commission
Foundation Federal Funds: $11,075
Matching Funds: $27,667
Total Project Costs: $38,742
Project Area: Montpelier, Washington County, VT
The Montpelier Conservation Commission will work with Montpelier Parks, Montpelier Conservation Commission, Friends of Winooski, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, Montpelier Conservation Commission, the Friends of Winooski, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, Montpelier School District, Americorps VISTA, Americorps State, Montpelier River Restoration Committee and the North Branch Nature Center to restoring 8,000 linear feet of riparian buffer habitat on the Winooski River. The project will engage Youth Corps members and middle school students in experiential learning through riparian restoration. Activities include removal of invasive vegetation and planting of native trees and shrubs. This project will help implement a portion of a larger community driven river conservation plan aimed at restoring two miles of river.
Washington
Project Title: Tarboo Creek Flood Plain
Recipient: Northwest Watershed Institute
Foundation Federal Funds: $17,600
Matching Funds: $19,000
Total Project Costs: $36,600
Project Area: Quilcene, Jefferson County, WA
The Northwest Watershed Institute will work with the Swann School, OPEPO/Mountain View School, Chimacum High School, University of Washington, Jefferson County Public Works Department, Jefferson Land Trust, Grey Wolf Ranch, the Jefferson County Home School Community and local businesses to remove invasive vegetation, assist with stream bank stabilization and plant 3,000 native trees and shrubs over 1,500 linear feet of wetland riparian area. Volunteers will work to educate 125 students about salmon/wildlife habitat and monitor seedling survival by integrating this into their curriculum.
West Virginia
Project Title: Cheat River Knotweed Eradication Project
Recipient: Friends of the Cheat
Foundation Federal Funds: $ 5,782
Matching Funds: $6,900
Total Project Costs: $12,682
Project Area: Albright, Preston County, WV
The Friends of the Cheat will work with the West Virginia Conservation Agency, Camp Dawson Natural Resources, the West Virginia University Extension Service, Mountaineer Challenge Academy and Community volunteers to restore 2,000 linear feet of riparian habitat as well as 2 acres of wetlands. Project activities are to survey and map the extent of invasive Japanese Knotweed in the lower Cheat watershed through educating the community and high school students on wetland ecology and forming a community invasive taskforce. The project will educate local landowners on the value of placing their land in conservation easements.
Project Title: Potomac Headwaters Youth Restoration Program
Recipient: Trout Unlimited
Foundation Federal Funds: $12,000
Matching Funds: $55,144
Total Project Costs: $67,144
Project Area: Franklin, WV
The P. Pendleton Kennedy Chapter of Trout Unlimited will partner to restore and protect 23 acres of riparian habitat, including 5,000 linear feet of stream bank along Whitethorn Creek and Mill Creek, in the South Branch of the Potomac Watershed. 55 middle school science students from Pendleton and Grant counties will be involved in the project through tree plantings, stream surveys, habitat surveys, future site monitoring and the testing of water quality parameters. Project partners include Trout Unlimited, Pendleton County, Grant County, Natural Resources Conservation Service, several local middle schools, Farm Services Agency, US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Dominion Foundation, WV Conservation Agency, WV Department of Environmental Protection, WV Division of Natural Resources and local Landowners.
Wisconsin
Project Title: Ozaukee Washington Land Trust Volunteer Program
Recipient: The Ozaukee Washington Land Trust Inc.
Foundation Federal Funds: $20,000
Matching Funds: $118,637
Total Project Costs: $138,637
Project Area: Mequon, Trenton, West Bend, Fredonia, Grafton, Port Washington, Cedarburg, Wayne and Farmington, Ozaukee and Washington Counties, Wisconsin
The Ozaukee Washington Land Trust Inc. will work with the City of Mequon, Ozaukee County, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Dragonfly Farm Design, Great Lakes Ecological Services L.L.C., Serigraph Inc., West Bend Mutual Insurance Company, Brico Fund, Wisconsin Waterfowl Association, Riveredge Nature Center, and the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee Field Station to restore 50 acres of wildlife habitat on 13 protected properties. This project will remove invasive vegetation and replant native species, while educating and training community volunteers to monitor these protected properties in the future.
Wyoming
Project Title: Gros Ventre River Watershed Noxious Weed Control and Restoration Project
Recipient: Jackson Hole Weed Management Association
Foundation Federal Funds: $20,000
Matching Funds: $68,902
Total Project Costs: $88,902
Project Area: Jackson Hole and Kelly, Teton County, Wyoming
The Jackson Hole Weed Management Association will work with Teton Conservation District, Grand Teton National Park, National Elk Refuge, Bridger Teton National Forest, Teton County Weed and Pest, Jackson Hole Land Trust, the Bureau of Land Management and private landowners to reduce noxious weed populations, restore native plant species, and educate private landowners along the Gros Ventre River. The project will use an established weed management plan involving biological, mechanical and herbicidal controls to enhance 1000 acres of wetland and manage weeds on 10,000 acres of riparian area. School children and 4-H groups will be educated on wildlife habitat and invasive weed management in their community.