PROJECT SUMMARY:
The Springhead Creek and Bird Sanctuary project sought to
restore erosion control to a city park as well as to enhance
the area as a natural habitat for birds and other wildlife.
The initial design was drawn up by the Farnsworth Group, but
Ideal employees worked very closely with city officials Mike
Oppermann and Shawnell Faber to make on-site changes due to the
very sensitive nature of the project.
PROJECT SOLUTION:
Essentially the design took a 300 foot eroded ditch and turned
it into an aesthetic, green sanctuary with full erosion control
methods. At the site 300 live stakes were planted of such
species as willows, dogwood, and buttonbush in addition to 500
different under story plants such as ferns, sedges, and rushes
that grow in intense shade. In all 100 varieties of
container trees were added to the park as well as 100 varieties
of shrubs. The most important aspect of the design was
restoration of the park. Ledge rock boulders were used to
create a retaining wall and outcropping natural in appearance.
The design also created pools and riffles for aquatic habitat.
Additionally large rock stairs were installed so people could
meander through the creek area to observe the wildlife.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
This project was highly sensitive in nature due to the passions
of the residents living near by. There was a great
sensitivity to which trees would be removed from the area and
several residents protested the city's initial plan.
PHOTOS:
At the height of
the project the park looked less like a quiet green space
and more like a construction zone. In time the
natural beauty of the site was restored.
For access to the
site a portion of the roadway surrounding the park was
closed.
Ideal employees
survey the site before another phase of the project is to
begin.
Barrels and
construction tape mark the last access through the park
as the project winds down.
Dirt backfill sits in
piles awaiting eventual return to the creek bank and
other areas to provide a smooth, finished grade.
Near the end of the
project equipment is prepared to move off-site.
After overseeding and
restoration the site begins to return to its more natural
state.
Restoration to the park proceeded
as each are of the construction wrapped up. The
root wad seen in the lower left corner is shown in the
after picture to the right.
AFTER: Close-up
of root wad
Another view of the
stone steps. Seen in the foreground in the lower
middle are live stakes.
AFTER: The same live
stakes as they appeared more than a year after project
completion.
