A year after Temple University engineering students and environmental partners completed the wetland restoration project at Newlin Grist Mill, the once-degraded area is now a vibrant ecosystem thriving with life and learning opportunities.
Kevin Magerr, an adjunct professor at the College of Engineering, who has overseen much of the project’s progress, recently shared updates on the wetland’s remarkable transformation since its first growing season. “The vegetative cover has dramatically improved,” he noted. “The wetland planting going into the second growing season has been better than expected. Much of the first-year plantings are thriving. In addition to 2nd planting this season we are seeing some volunteers planting coming up as well.”
One of the most promising outcomes of restoration is the increase in biodiversity. New species, including opossums, raccoons, and a variety of frogs, toads, and turtles, are now regular visitors. Most notably, a Great Crested Flycatcher has taken up residence in the wetland, using the dead snags and tree stumps incorporated into the wetland’s design for perching and nesting.
The creation of these microtopographies, which are small variations in land height, has played a key role in this ecological bloom. These subtle elevation shifts create diverse mini-habitats, providing space for several different types of species to thrive.
“Nature loves habitat complexity,” Magerr explained, and by designing the wetlands with complexity, they were able to create a stable and diverse ecosystem.
“We are pleasantly surprised by the up-tick in visitors to the new wetland and frog pond. [It is heartening to] see families coming to see and enjoy the wetland and the wildlife it attracts,” noted Magerr. Part of the mission of the Newlin Grist Mill and the vision for this restorative project was to provide environmental education programs for all ages.
Not only are the wetlands providing educational services for the community, but they are also delivering ecosystem services like flood control and water filtration. In order to make sure the wetlands continue to thrive, there is an ongoing maintenance and monitoring program that helps with the health of the wetland plants, removing invasive species, and optimizing the hydrology through the wetland sluice gate inlet.
Overall, Magerr and the Temple engineers are pleased with the outcome so far and have great hopes for the future of this restorative mission.