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In Warrington Township, Pennsylvania, an innovative ecological uplift initiative is underway at Lion's Pride Park. This project aims to transform a stagnant pond, overrun with invasive species and plagued by water quality issues, into a thriving wetland mosaic. This endeavor, a collaborative effort between Warrington Township, Princeton Hydro, and other stakeholders, promises to not only revitalize the natural environment but also enhance community access and education within the park.


[caption id="attachment_14494" align="aligncenter" width="802"] Historical photo of Lion's Pride Park pond in Warrington Township, PA.[/caption]



Restoration Overview and Community Impact
Spanning 47 acres, Lion's Pride Park serves as a green oasis within the Township, offering a range of recreational and educational opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities.
The pond within the park was in urgent need of restoration - heavy storm events caused the pond to overflow, which created flooding conditions in the park. The local native biodiversity was being threatened by nusiance and invasive species like water chestnut (Trapa natans). The photos below were taken in April 2020.
[gallery link="none" columns="2" size="medium" ids="14485,14486"]

 
Princeton Hydro began in 2020 with site investigation and field surveys, including:


 	
Bathymetric assessment to map water depth and accumulated unconsolidated sediment in the pond
 	
Sediment sampling to facilitate options for the potential reuse of the sediment on site and the selection of native vegetation for the various habitats being created
 	
Wetland delineation to identify existing wetland boundaries within and adjacent to the project site and discern the extent of jurisdictional impacts related to the proposed activities.

The most substantial component for the restoration project was the conversion of the existing pond to an emergent wetland complex to provide habitat for a wide variety of native species. Using the completed existing conditions reports and surveys, Princeton Hydro prepared the conceptual design plan that informed the entire restoration process.
Princeton Hydro Regulatory Compliance & Wildlife Surveys Project Manager Emily Bjorhus, PWS spearheaded the regulatory program for the project, navigating approvals from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the Bucks County Conservation District. The permitting process laid the groundwork for the smooth implementation of this design-build restoration project.
[gallery link="none" columns="2" size="medium" ids="14253,14244"]

[caption id="attachment_14493" align="aligncenter" width="1227"] October 2023[/caption]

 
The restoration work encompassed various stages, from earthwork and vegetation planting to the installation of ADA-compliant pathways and informational signage. Some of the key project elements, include:
Channel stabilization: Stabilizing the channels within the park, addressing erosion issues, enhancing water flow dynamics, and promoting the establishment of diverse aquatic habitats.
Berm construction: Installing berms to enhance wetland habitat and promote natural floodplain connectivity, contributing to the resilience of the ecosystem to flooding events.
Native vegetation planting: Reintroducing native wetland and riparian plant species to enhance biodiversity and create habitat corridors for wildlife within the park. Planting is expected to take place in the Spring.
Interpretive signage installation: Placing educational signage throughout the park to inform visitors about the ecological significance of the restoration project and the importance of wetland conservation.
Boardwalk installation: Constructing a 6-foot-wide ADA-compliant boardwalk that spanned approximately 230 linear feet, providing visitors with accessible pathways to explore the restored wetland areas.
[gallery columns="2" link="none" size="medium" ids="14491,14490,14492,14487"]
Through these strategic interventions, the Lion's Pride Park Ecological Restoration Project aims to not only rejuvenate the ecological integrity of landscape but also enrich the recreational and educational experiences of the community. The project, which is slated for 100% completion this Spring, will totally transform the landscape into a diverse wetland complex that fosters native wildlife habitat, mitigates water quality concerns, reduces nonpoint source pollutants discharged to downstream waters, and provides accessible pathways and observation platforms so all community members may enjoy and learn from this restored aquatic setting.
The reclaimed wetland provides additional bird and pollinator habitat and offer visitors a diverse ecosystem to learn from within the park. By fostering a deeper connection to nature and promoting environmental stewardship, this project exemplifies the transformative power of ecological restoration in creating vibrant, sustainable communities.




Upcoming Presentation
[caption id="attachment_13487" align="alignleft" width="247"] Emily out field performing a wetland delineation.[/caption]
On March 23, at the 2024 Watershed Congress hosted by the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, Emily will be presenting about the Lion's Pride Park Ecological Restoration Project. Her presentation will offer insights into the regulatory approval and permitting process, takes a deeper dive into the restoration strategies, and showcases the ecological significance of the project. Click here to learn more about the 2024 Watershed Congress.
Emily, a certified Professional Wetland Scientist, is a Project Manager that specializes in environmental regulatory compliance, ecological services and wildlife surveys. She leads federal, state and local environmental permitting processes, NEPA compliance and documentation, Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultations, and Clean Water Act Section 404(b)1 analyses.



The Lion's Pride Park Ecological Restoration Project exemplifies a holistic approach to environmental conservation, community engagement, and public recreation. By repurposing a neglected pond into a vibrant wetland mosaic, this initiative embodies the principles of ecological resilience and inclusive urban planning, and celebrates the transformative potential of ecological uplift projects in fostering healthier, more vibrant communities.
Please stay tuned to our blog for more project updates once planting is completed this Spring. Click here to read more about Princeton Hydro’s robust natural resource management and restoration services.
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A wetland is a unique ecosystem that is permanently or seasonally saturated by water, including swamps, marshes, bogs, vernal pools, and similar areas. They provide water quality improvement, flood protection, shoreline erosion control, food for humans and animals, and critical habitat for thousands of species of aquatic and terrestrial plants, aquatic organisms, and wildlife.
[gallery link="none" ids="14309,13487,13472"]
Princeton Hydro is regionally recognized for its capabilities in the restoration of freshwater and saltwater wetland ecosystems. Our ecologists also regularly conduct wetland delineations. A wetland delineation, a requirement of most permitting efforts, is the field work conducted to determine the boundary between the upper limit of a wetland and the lower limit of an upland thus identifying the approximate extent and location of wetlands on a requested site.
For this edition of our “A Day in the Life” blog series, we join Environmental Scientist Ivy Babson and Regulatory Compliance & Wildlife Surveys Project Manager Emily Bjorhus, PWS out in the field for a wetland delineation.




To Delineate a Wetland We Must First Define It
Most commonly, wetlands are delineated based on the Routine Onsite Determination Method set forth in the Federal Manual Identifying and Delineating Jurisdictional Wetlands (FICWD 1989) with supplemental information provided by the applicable United States Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) regional supplement manual.
USACE’s “three-parameter” approach defines an area as a wetland if it exhibits, under normal circumstances, all the following characteristics:


 	
The land supports a dominance of hydrophytic vegetation;
 	
The substrate is hydric soil; and
 	
The soil/substrate is at least periodically saturated or inundated during a portion of the growing season.




Step 1: Prepare for Delineation Day
Ivy and Emily begin by coordinating with the client to ensure they’ve been granted site access approval.
They then perform a comprehensive desktop analysis of the project site, identifying existing features like wetlands, open waters (streams, lakes), and potential hydric soils. This involves utilizing resources like USFWS's National Wetland Inventory Mapper, the U.S. Geological Survey's SSURGO Soils Survey, and, for New Jersey-based delineations, NJDEP's GeoWeb. The desktop review also allows Ivy and Emily to assemble the proper safety gear and create a Model Health & Safety Plan (HASP). A HASP must always be prepared before the field work begins.
Then, the field-day packing begins; the following items are a requirement for any wetland delineation:

 	
Field notebook and writing utensils
 	
Soil auger (for examining soil profiles)
 	
Munsell soil color chart book (for assessing soil types)
 	
High-vis flagging and pin flags
 	
Hi-vis surveyors or wetland delineator’s vest
 	
Muck boots or waders (depending on the type of environment and existing features)
 	
Field map, usually an up-to-date aerial, showing the boundaries of the site
 	
Sunscreen and bug spray (ticks are a common occurrence)
 	
Plenty of water and food - wetland delineations can be quite strenuous, especially in the summer
 	
Appropriate clothing - wetland delineations can be conducted year-round

 



Step 2: Set the Game Plan & Review HASP

It's always important to make a plan for the project. If we are delineating a large property, it might take several days to traverse, and each day, the weather might be different. So planning ahead, but also being prepared for unexpected changes, will make the day go that much smoother. And, as part of the HASP, we must identify important points of contact and know where the closest hospital is in case of a serious emergency.  So, reviewing this information and planning ahead prior to heading into the field is a very important step in the process.




Step 3: Perform the Three-Parameter Wetland Delineation
While wetland delineations can be conducted any time of the year, they are best conducted during the “growing season” when soil temperatures are above the biologic zero and vegetation is easily identifiable by leaves, inflorescence, or other unique identifying characteristics that would otherwise be difficult to identify during the winter months.
Ivy and Emily begin by locating known (mapped) wetland or waterbody features and writing a list of all plants observed on-site. They maintain the plant list throughout the day.

If, during the desktop review, they find a mapped wetland or stream, they walk there first to determine if wetlands are actually present. Even if a wetland is mapped on a database, it may not actually exist for various reasons. On the flip side, even if a site is not mapped as containing wetlands, the site could very well contain them. As such, the wetland delineation determines exactly what is on-site and supplements the desktop review.
As mentioned above, a wetland delineation considers three determining factors: 1) vegetation, 2) soils, and 3) hydrology. While on site, Ivy and Emily must identify hydrophytic vegetation, take soil borings, and look for wetland hydrology to identify whether a wetland is present or not.

Parameter 1: Vegetation
Wetlands are dominated by hydrophytes which are plants that can grow in water or on a substrate that is at least periodically deficient in oxygen because of excessive water content and depleted soil oxygen levels.
The USACE and NJDEP definition of hydrophytes is based on the USFWS classification system. In general, any plant species that is found growing in wetlands more than 50% of the time is considered a hydrophyte. These plants include those classified by the USFWS as “facultative," “facultative wetland," or “obligate."
As a wetland delineator, it is important to possess strong plant identification skills and an eye for recognizing various ecological plant communities, which are groups of plants that share a common environment and environmental requirements. They are often defined by dominant plant species.
Once Ivy and Emily identify the hydrophytic plant community, they determine what type of ecological community they are in (e.g., freshwater forested wetland, estuarine scrub-shrub wetland, or freshwater tidal emergent marsh). Today, they are in a freshwater forested wetland, which means Ivy and Emily must now assess each stratum of the forested wetland by writing down the species and associated percent species cover.
[gallery link="none" ids="13448,13450,14314"]
To accurately describe the vegetation at each sampling point, we collect data on each horizontal strata or layer. Vegetative strata for which dominants are determined include (1) tree (> 5.0 inches diameter at breast height (DBH) and 20 feet or taller); (2) sapling (0.4 to <5.0 inches DBH and <20 feet tall); (3) shrub (usually 3 to 20 feet tall including multi-stemmed, bushy shrubs); (4) woody vine; and (5) herb (herbaceous plants including graminoids, forbs, ferns, fern allies, herbaceous vines, and tree seedlings). They repeat this process for each representative wetland.
Next, Ivy and Emily look for the upland plant community that is directly upslope of the wetland and make note of the proximity to the wetland, repeating the same vegetation documentation process.

Parameter 2: Soils
Ivy and Emily must determine whether the soils within the hydrophytic plant community are hydric. Hydric soils are defined as soils that are saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part. Hydric soil indicators are features in the soil that predominantly form by biogeochemical processes in a saturated and anaerobic environment and result in the accumulation of loss of iron, manganese, sulfur, or carbon compounds.
Emily uses a soil auger to collect a sample of the first 6 - 12 inches of soil where the most significant parts of a hydric soil would be occurring.


 
Once Ivy and Emily identify that the soil is indeed hydric, Ivy uses her Munsell soil color book to determine the value of the soil and each hydric soil indicator.
[gallery link="none" columns="2" ids="13489,13485"]
They also document additional characteristics of each soil layer: Is it loam, silty loam, sand, sandy loam, silt, muck, clay, clayey loam, etc.? What is the percentage of rocks, plant roots, or other organic matter in each layer? What is the percentage of redoximorphic features of each layer and are they faint or prominent?
Each layer of the soil profile, which is typically documented to a depth of at least 18 inches, is sectioned out and thoroughly described.

Parameter 3: Hydrology
The identification of positive indicators of wetland hydrology includes direct observation of indicator groups, such as the observation of surface water or saturated soils, evidence of recent inundation, evidence of current or recent soil saturation, and evidence from other site conditions or data. Each group contains several indicators, which are classified into categories known as “primary” or “secondary” indicators.
To positively identify the area as being a wetland, at least one primary wetland indicator (from any group) or at least two secondary wetland indicators (from any group) must be present.
Additionally, for an area to be designated as a wetland, the area must have the presence of water for a week or more during the growing season. Areas with wetland hydrology characteristics are those where the presence of water has an overriding influence on characteristics of vegetation and soils due to anaerobic and reducing conditions, respectively.


[caption id="attachment_13488" align="aligncenter" width="483"] This red maple developed morphologic adaptations in the form of buttressed roots.[/caption]

 
Today, Emily and Ivy observe a depression (secondary) along with a few inches of standing water (primary), water-stained leaves (primary), frogs hopping around (primary), and moss trim lines on the tree trunks (secondary). All signs point to a forested wetland; however, there is more to consider.
Ivy and Emily’s soil boring assessment showed that the soils within the top 12 inches of the soil surface were saturated (primary) and bright orange streaks were visible along the plant roots, which they documented as oxidized rhizospheres along living roots (primary). Because they identified more than one primary and two secondary wetland indicators, they can confidently delineate the wetland.




Step 4: Delineate Between the Wetland and Upland
Now that Ivy and Emily established that a wetland is present, they must find the boundary of the upland. They are now looking for the absence of hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and positive indicators of wetland hydrology as well as the dominance of upland ecological plant communities. The same analysis and documentation process they completed for the wetland area is also required for the upland area.
Once they locate the boundary, they flag the wetland line, labeling the flagging with the wetland nomenclature and either hanging it or pinning it into the ground.
While the description sounds relatively simple, finding the boundary between a wetland and upland can be tricky and time consuming. For example, there may be some hydrophytic vegetation growing within an upland and there may be one secondary positive indicator of wetland hydrology, but hydric soils are missing. To positively classify an area as a wetland, a slam dunk on all three parameters is required.


[caption id="attachment_13513" align="aligncenter" width="639"] Marked up image indicating the upland, wetland, and stream. The red line marks the boundary between a wetland and an upland. The blue line marks the boundary between a stream and the wetlands on either side of the stream’s banks.[/caption]



Step 5: Delineate Waterbodies
Ivy and Emily must also delineate waterbodies concurrent with wetlands. Waterbodies may include, but are not limited to, streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds. To delineate a waterbody, they hang labeled flagging along the waterbody’s top of bank or its ordinary high water mark. Throughout this process, they take pictures to document the existing waterbody conditions.
[gallery link="none" ids="13457,13460,13455"]





Step 6: Post-Delineation Wrap-up
Once the wetland delineation is complete, Ivy and Emily draw out a field sketch that depicts the approximate extent and location of the wetland and waterbody boundaries with their respective nomenclature.
Depending on the project scope, the field sketch is either submitted to a Professional Licensed Surveyor who will then visit the site to survey each wetland and waterbody flag, or Ivy and Emily will return to the site to survey each flag with a survey-grade GPS. Once the survey is complete, Ivy and Emily will conduct a final review of the plans to ensure accuracy.
If requested, they will also prepare a wetland delineation report, which outlines the delineation method, findings, results, and thorough description of each wetland and its soils, hydrology, and vegetation.
“Wetland delineations aren’t for the faint of heart,” said Ivy. “At the end of the day, you might emerge from a dense stand of Phragmites garnering strange looks from passersby with muck smeared on your face, sticks and leaves poking out of your hair, a belly full of mosquitos that you might have accidentally swallowed, and fingernails stuffed with dirt. However, there isn’t any other type of field that I would rather be in. As a wetland delineator, I can access environments that most people would steer clear of and, as a result, I get to see things that I wouldn’t get to see anywhere else. I get to improve my plant identification skills and expand my knowledge of how wetlands function as an ecosystem.”


[caption id="attachment_13478" align="aligncenter" width="566"] Ivy standing in a tidal marsh at Spring Creek North in Brooklyn and Queens, New York. "This wetland delineation is one of my favorite delineating experiences yet. And, I'm looking forward to many more to come!"[/caption]



A big thanks to Ivy and Emily for taking us out in the field for a wetland delineation!
Emily Bjorhus is a Project Manager that specializes in environmental regulatory compliance, ecological services and wildlife surveys. She leads federal, state and local environmental permitting processes, NEPA compliance and documentation, Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultations, and Clean Water Act Section 404(b)1 analyses. Mrs. Bjorhus is a certified Professional Wetland Scientist.
 

 
As an Environmental Scientist, Ivy Babson regularly conducts wetland delineations and monitoring, flora/fauna surveys, water quality sampling, fishery surveys, permitting, and regulatory compliance for a series of projects. She earned her Wetland Delineation Certification from Rutgers University. Ivy graduated from the University of Vermont in 2019 with a B.S. in Environmental Science with a concentration in Ecological Design, and minor in Geospatial Technologies.
 

To read more about our wetland restoration work, go here: http://bit.ly/PHwetland. If you enjoyed this blog, check out another one from our “A Day in the Life” series, and stay tuned for more.
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In Warrington Township, Pennsylvania, an innovative ecological uplift initiative is underway at Lion's Pride Park. This project aims to transform a stagnant pond, overrun with invasive species and plagued by water quality issues, into a thriving wetland mosaic. This endeavor, a collaborative effort between Warrington Township, Princeton Hydro, and other stakeholders, promises to not only revitalize the natural environment but also enhance community access and education within the park.


[caption id="attachment_14494" align="aligncenter" width="802"] Historical photo of Lion's Pride Park pond in Warrington Township, PA.[/caption]



Restoration Overview and Community Impact
Spanning 47 acres, Lion's Pride Park serves as a green oasis within the Township, offering a range of recreational and educational opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities.
The pond within the park was in urgent need of restoration - heavy storm events caused the pond to overflow, which created flooding conditions in the park. The local native biodiversity was being threatened by nusiance and invasive species like water chestnut (Trapa natans). The photos below were taken in April 2020.
[gallery link="none" columns="2" size="medium" ids="14485,14486"]

 
Princeton Hydro began in 2020 with site investigation and field surveys, including:


 	
Bathymetric assessment to map water depth and accumulated unconsolidated sediment in the pond
 	
Sediment sampling to facilitate options for the potential reuse of the sediment on site and the selection of native vegetation for the various habitats being created
 	
Wetland delineation to identify existing wetland boundaries within and adjacent to the project site and discern the extent of jurisdictional impacts related to the proposed activities.

The most substantial component for the restoration project was the conversion of the existing pond to an emergent wetland complex to provide habitat for a wide variety of native species. Using the completed existing conditions reports and surveys, Princeton Hydro prepared the conceptual design plan that informed the entire restoration process.
Princeton Hydro Regulatory Compliance & Wildlife Surveys Project Manager Emily Bjorhus, PWS spearheaded the regulatory program for the project, navigating approvals from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the Bucks County Conservation District. The permitting process laid the groundwork for the smooth implementation of this design-build restoration project.
[gallery link="none" columns="2" size="medium" ids="14253,14244"]

[caption id="attachment_14493" align="aligncenter" width="1227"] October 2023[/caption]

 
The restoration work encompassed various stages, from earthwork and vegetation planting to the installation of ADA-compliant pathways and informational signage. Some of the key project elements, include:
Channel stabilization: Stabilizing the channels within the park, addressing erosion issues, enhancing water flow dynamics, and promoting the establishment of diverse aquatic habitats.
Berm construction: Installing berms to enhance wetland habitat and promote natural floodplain connectivity, contributing to the resilience of the ecosystem to flooding events.
Native vegetation planting: Reintroducing native wetland and riparian plant species to enhance biodiversity and create habitat corridors for wildlife within the park. Planting is expected to take place in the Spring.
Interpretive signage installation: Placing educational signage throughout the park to inform visitors about the ecological significance of the restoration project and the importance of wetland conservation.
Boardwalk installation: Constructing a 6-foot-wide ADA-compliant boardwalk that spanned approximately 230 linear feet, providing visitors with accessible pathways to explore the restored wetland areas.
[gallery columns="2" link="none" size="medium" ids="14491,14490,14492,14487"]
Through these strategic interventions, the Lion's Pride Park Ecological Restoration Project aims to not only rejuvenate the ecological integrity of landscape but also enrich the recreational and educational experiences of the community. The project, which is slated for 100% completion this Spring, will totally transform the landscape into a diverse wetland complex that fosters native wildlife habitat, mitigates water quality concerns, reduces nonpoint source pollutants discharged to downstream waters, and provides accessible pathways and observation platforms so all community members may enjoy and learn from this restored aquatic setting.
The reclaimed wetland provides additional bird and pollinator habitat and offer visitors a diverse ecosystem to learn from within the park. By fostering a deeper connection to nature and promoting environmental stewardship, this project exemplifies the transformative power of ecological restoration in creating vibrant, sustainable communities.




Upcoming Presentation
[caption id="attachment_13487" align="alignleft" width="247"] Emily out field performing a wetland delineation.[/caption]
On March 23, at the 2024 Watershed Congress hosted by the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, Emily will be presenting about the Lion's Pride Park Ecological Restoration Project. Her presentation will offer insights into the regulatory approval and permitting process, takes a deeper dive into the restoration strategies, and showcases the ecological significance of the project. Click here to learn more about the 2024 Watershed Congress.
Emily, a certified Professional Wetland Scientist, is a Project Manager that specializes in environmental regulatory compliance, ecological services and wildlife surveys. She leads federal, state and local environmental permitting processes, NEPA compliance and documentation, Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultations, and Clean Water Act Section 404(b)1 analyses.



The Lion's Pride Park Ecological Restoration Project exemplifies a holistic approach to environmental conservation, community engagement, and public recreation. By repurposing a neglected pond into a vibrant wetland mosaic, this initiative embodies the principles of ecological resilience and inclusive urban planning, and celebrates the transformative potential of ecological uplift projects in fostering healthier, more vibrant communities.
Please stay tuned to our blog for more project updates once planting is completed this Spring. Click here to read more about Princeton Hydro’s robust natural resource management and restoration services.
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