Wetland - Out Door Classroom

Do you remember that stagnant pond located along the back of  Lion’s Pride Park, behind the lacrosse field?  Our project transformed that stagnant pond, overrun with invasive species and plagued by water quality issues, into a thriving wetland system. This endeavor was a collaborative effort between the Warrington Township Board of Supervisors (BOS), the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the Warrington Environmental Advisory Council. This project promises to revitalize the natural environment, improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat, decrease flooding and enhance community access and education within the park.  

In 2019, the BOS decided to seek grant funding to convert this safety and ecological hazard to an educational wetland oasis. The BOS requested that Township Grant administrator pursue grant funding to help address this hazard.  The grant request was approved January in 2020.

The most substantial component for the restoration project was the conversion of the approximately 2 acre existing pond to an emergent/scrub-shrub wetland complex to provide habitat for a wide variety of native plant species. 

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. 

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.