During Phase I of the Coolbrook Restoration Project, the Construction/Implementation phase involves mobilizing heavy equipment and skilled crews to begin building the designed stream restoration features. Crews install grade control structures to manage flow and reduce erosion, regrade and stabilize streambanks to restore natural channel form, and establish native riparian plantings to support long-term ecological health. Throughout the process, best management practices for sediment and erosion control are strictly followed to protect downstream water quality and ensure regulatory compliance. So far, we’ve restored 700 feet of stream along a small tributary. As part of the project, we’re removing polluted soil to uncover buried wetlands. We’re also reshaping the stream to include a mix of shallow, fast-moving areas and deeper, slower ones. During storms, water will naturally spill over the banks and flow into the wetlands, where it can slow down and be cleaned of excess nutrients. We’re adding brush and other natural materials to the stream to create habitats for fish, birds, and other wildlife. To protect the new streambanks, we’ve placed coconut fiber mats until we can plant native trees, shrubs, and grasses.

  The Coolbrook Farm Stream Restoration is a legacy sediment removal/floodplain restoration project located on the old Taylor Farm in Lincoln, VA. Legacy sediments are sediments that have accumulated in stream valleys and floodplains over the centuries due to land clearing for farming and development. Legacy sediments can also form in former mill pond and foundry sites, similar to the history of this area. Proposed restoration activities include the removal of the legacy sediments to the historic, pre-colonization wetland meadow condition. The current unstable, deeply incised, over-widened channel will be restored with gently sloped banks with connection to its natural floodplain to allow for dissipation of energy during storm events. Structures primarily built with onsite, natural materials will be added to the stream and stream banks for grade control, bank protection, and aquatic organism habitat. The restoration of the stream and floodplain corridor will improve the currently impaired hydrological, biological, and ecological functions within the project area. Following construction, the site will be planted with a variety of native herbaceous, shrub, and tree species. The planting restoration will focus on a wetland meadow ecotype with disparate trees creating a lush, wetland meadow, pollinator wildflower, and grassland savannah. The tributaries onsite drain to Crooked Run, a perennial tributary of North Fork Goose Creek. This watershed contributes to the middle, non-tidal portion of the Potomac River, eventually emptying into the Chesapeake Bay. Stream erosion through legacy sediments is identified as one of the largest contributors of sediment to the Chesapeake Bay. Early project calculations have estimated that the project will reduce up to 1,110 pounds of phosphorus, 2,225 pounds to nitrogen and more than 1.4 million pounds (704 tons) of sediment.   Partners: Ecosystem Services – Natural Resource Consulting Home - KBS Earthworks   Funding: Potomac Mitigation Bank – Buying [...]