Saw my FOS tree swallows over the wetland on Saturday. Other highlight was
a singing fox sparrow. Some early risers told of hearing at least four
WOODCOCK (and I flushed one at White Oaks Park Sunday morning). Also many
singing spring peepers and leopard frogs.
I joined about 15 volunteers and park staff yesterday transplanting some of
the more interesting native plants at Huntley Meadows that are in the
footprint of the wetlands restoration project scheduled for later this year
at Huntley. For those who haven't heard, there will be a major project to
improve the quality of the main wetland this year. The park has been
studying the issue for decades. The immediate effect on birders is that the
Hike/Bike Trail will be closed for large chunks of this year (the exact
schedule is not yet set.
The project will involve two main components. First, a water-control system
will be installed, consisting of an earthen berm downstream of the
boardwalk, and a controllable side gate located in the woods and the far
side of the wetland between the tower and the platform at the end of the
Hike/Bike Trail. This will allow the staff to control the water level of
the wetland to some degree. This will allow retention of more water in
droughts, as well as periodic drawdowns, which can be useful for
consolidating sediment and addressing invasive species.
Second, several deeper pools will be dug in the wetland to restore the
deeper-water habitat that existed 30 years ago (the wetland suffered from
significant sediment deposition since then due largely to the upstream
portions of the watershed being developed for homes in the 80s and 90s).
Among other things, it is hoped that pied-billed grebes may breed in the
park again.
When the wetland work is completed, a new observation platform will be
constructed near the side gate, and a crushed rock trail will link it with
the Hike/Bike Trail.
There will be several more "plant saves" later this spring; contact the park
for more details if you want to volunteer. It was fun and rewarding.
You can see more details at:
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley-meadows-park/restorationproject.h
tm
Ben Jesup
Alexandria
