Wilmot, Stark County, Ohio
- The Wilderness Center
- Key Services Provided:
- Design-build Wetland Restoration
- Permitting & Agency Coordination
- Native Planting & Seeding
- Project Duration: September 2024 to October 2025
- Project Cost: $64,000.00
Wetland pond edge following construction showing grading and woody installation.
EnviroScience, Inc. completed the design, permitting, construction, and native seeding and planting for 0.5 acres of pond-edge wetland at The Wilderness Center, increasing the shoreline complexity and length by approximately 300 linear feet. The project was funded by the H2Ohio program and was designed and implemented to meet the objectives of reducing nutrient loading, improving water retention, and increasing functional wetland habitat through shoreline reconfiguration. Microtopography, woody habitat features, and native plantings were incorporated to improve the diversity and establishment of vegetation and provide aquatic habitat for fish and wildlife.
Design and construction elements included wetland benches, shallow depressions, aquatic transition zones, and intentional microtopography to create variable water depth to promote vegetative diversity. Submerged logs, anchored woody debris, and standing dead trees harvested on site were integrated to provide habitat.
EnviroScience coordinated environmental permitting and regulatory compliance under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Nationwide Permit 27) Ohio EPA 401 Water Quality Certification and Section 106 historical review. Construction included pond dewatering via siphon, clearing and grubbing, and grading consistent with approved plans. Vegetation installation included native seed mixes, containerized shrubs and trees, live stakes, and shoreline and aquatic plugs across the site.
Completion of this project not only meets the goals of the H2Ohio funding but also improves visitor experience to this public park and habitat for fish and wildlife.
