In the beginning, there is dirt....
On this project, approximately 20 acres was set aside behind a newly constructed elementary school for impacts to existing on-site wetlands. The area was surveyed and marked to the existing natural grade so that the wetland would work with the hydrologic connection to the water shed (the way the water flows in the area). If the water doesn't flow correctly through the wetland, the wetland will not function, and it will dry up and die. The Submergent (deep water) Zone was created to allow for movement of water currents (flushing) throughout the system.
On this project, approximately 20 acres was set aside behind a newly constructed elementary school for impacts to existing on-site wetlands. The area was surveyed and marked to the existing natural grade so that the wetland would work with the hydrologic connection to the water shed (the way the water flows in the area). If the water doesn't flow correctly through the wetland, the wetland will not function, and it will dry up and die. The Submergent (deep water) Zone was created to allow for movement of water currents (flushing) throughout the system.
Several species were planted in the Submergent (deep water) Zone including fragrant Water Lilies and Spadderdock, also known as Cow Lily. Wild birds, especially Ibis, began to land in the area after the first row of plants was installed.
The water was held back from the area using a big pump until the Submergent Zone was planted.
Once all of the deep zone plants were installed, the flooding of the wetland was coordinated with the construction supervisor and the South Florida Water Management District.
The Submergent Zone is also where I installed EnvironMend's company logo, the Fragrant Water Lily. This deep zone species is easy to manage because it does not spread and take over an area like the Cow Lily can, and the fragrant blooms are beautiful.
The Emergent Zones (shallow water) range from 1 to 3 feet in depth and accommodate several species of plants. Pickerel Weed, is a large fleshy plant, with long heart-shaped leaves, spongey stems, and a purple flower that blooms year round. The plant grows concentrically and thrives in emergent areas. Arrowhead, grows best at the edge of the water and in the shallower areas of the Emergent Zone. It has a long spear-shaped leaf and a delicate white flower that blooms year round; the tuber of the Arrowhead is edible and was consumed by the Seminole and Miccosukee Tribes. All of the plants provide food and habitat to birds and reptiles; and insects love the colorful blooms.
Spikerush is a common Emergent Zone species that provides great habitat and coverage. Birds love to nest in it, eat it, and hide in it. Besides being useful for foraging, Apple Snails commonly lay their eggs on the Spikerush, attracting a diversity of species into the wetland.
The Transitional Zone secures the bank and stops erosion. This zone was planted with sedges and grasses, small shrubs (Firebush, Wax Myrtle), various ferns, and water tolerant trees.
Top of Bank contained hardwood species such as: Red Maple and Cabbage Palms. The area was mulched and irrigated until it was well established. All plant materials were installed and the mitigation site successfully met all permitting requirements on first inspection, and all inspections by permitting agencies thereafter while under our care.
The beginning...
After about 6 months....
One year after the initial plantings and routine maintenance. The wetland is full of life! Birds are nesting in the grasses, turtles and fishes are swimming up and down the Submergent Zone. Bees are landing on the water lilies and spreading pollen, otters are seen, flowers are blooming everywhere, and an alligator moved in via a drainage canal. This is a fully functional wetland created by EnvironMend.
This ecosystem was self-sustaining within one year.
People forget that the food chain begins here.
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