Last May, the City of Westerville dedicated the new and improved wetland at Highlands Park. The land reduces pollution in a high-priority stream by expanding wetland acreage, controlling erosion, removing invasive species and better filtering water sediments and contaminants.
The Highlands Park wetland highlights the City’s role as an environmental steward in the community and the importance of a viable and functional ecosystem right in our very own back yard.
The previous wetland habitat was classified as low-quality due to minimal wildlife habitat and water-quality deficiencies. Located within the Lower Alum Creek Watershed, the wetland feeds into Spring Run, an Alum Creek tributary. Due to the connectivity of area waterways and poor water conditions, the site was deemed a priority stream segment for restoration and protection efforts.
Redevelopment was incorporated into plans when the Highlands Park Master Plan was developed in 2009. Sustainable land features were developed as part of the Highlands Park Aquatic Center, including rain gardens, bio-swells and porous concrete. The City also identified grant opportunities to support the wetland enhancement project at Highlands Park and ultimately received a $130,000 grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to finance water-quality improvements and public outreach, which covered three-quarters of the cost of the wetland enhancement project.
The end result is an intentionally crafted ecosystem with a harmonious combination of wildlife, plant species and improved water mobility. A forebay introduces water to the site with passages designed to slow the speed of water flow, adding time for water sediment and debris to fall away before passing through Spring Run and into Alum Creek.
Increased biodiversity enhances the vitality of the new wetland. Amphibians, birds, dragonflies and insects and plant species unique to the habitat continue to populate their newfound home, and those numbers will increase as the site matures.
A nature play area provides area classrooms and wetland visitors the opportunity to reconnect with nature, improving health, education and general well-being.
“One of the greatest benefits of this project has been to provide children with immediate and educational access to nature,” said Mike Hooper, Westerville Parks and Recreation Development Administrator. “It’s a throwback to when children relied on the outdoors to invigorate their imaginations and provide an outlet for physical activity. We continually look for ways to strengthen the relationship between children and nature and incorporate that philosophy into new parkland and facility development.”
Westerville-based environmental consulting firm MAD Scientist & Associates served as wetland biologists for the Highlands project, performing work related to the design, layout and functionality. MAD Scientist has also worked to mobilize the community by organizing a number of volunteer planting events to prepare the area for the wetland enhancement, as well as install interpretive panels to visually provide visitors with information about habitat wildlife and the directional flow of the wetland’s waterways.
"Wetlands play a vital role in the health of our environment and the quality of life in our communities,” said Mark Dilley, founder and co-owner of MAD Scientist & Associates. “I hope that this site will draw people closer to wetlands, to learn to appreciate all that they have to offer and to better understand their importance."
Now that the enhancement is complete, City staff and community volunteers will work to maintain the improved conditions of the wetland. The site will be monitored for invasive species and the nature play area will gradually be expanded. To learn more about this and other environmental initiatives, please visit www.westerville.org/environment for project information and status updates.
Jun 30, 2014: City's plan to improve Highlands Park
