Revisiting Tinkers Creek Stream Restoration

In October 2021, the largest stream restoration in Maryland was completed. In total, the project restored 41,000 linear feet (over seven miles) of urban stream using nature-based design techniques within a highly urbanized watershed.

The project was designed by Princeton Hydro for GV-Petro, a partnership between GreenVest and Petro Design Build Group. Working with Prince George’s County Department of the Environment and coordinating with the Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission, this full-delivery project was designed to meet the County’s Watershed Implementation Plan total maximum daily load (TMDL) requirements and its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Discharge Permit conditions.

As part of this stream restoration project, Princeton Hydro led the delineation of the ~64-acres associated with the Tinkers Creek Project, including 27,493 linear feet of Tinkers Creek, Meetinghouse Branch, and Paynes Branch and an additional 22,227 linear feet of unnamed tributaries associated with the primary streams. Additionally, a total of 42 palustrine forested wetland and palustrine emergent wetland communities comprising ~45-acres were delineated adjacent to the 27,493 linear feet of stream.

Princeton Hydro’s ecologists continue to monitor the site and provide adaptive management services to ensure long-term restoration success. We are thrilled to report that the once highly urbanized watershed is flourishing and teeming with life:

We used nature-based design and bioengineering techniques like riparian zone planting and live staking to prevent erosion and restore wildlife habitat.

10,985 native trees and shrubs were planted in the riparian area, and 10,910 trees were planted as live stakes along the streambank.

For more information about the project, visit GreenVest’s website or click here to check out our previous blog.

• Flood Mitigation
• Green Infrastructure
• Invasive Species Management
• Natural Resource Management
• Stormwater Management
• Stream Restoration