Kristina Robertson 4/7/2011 Clemson University ENR 613

Located in the South Carolina Botanical Garden Located in the South Carolina Botanical Garden Previously abandoned dump site with highly eroded land Previously abandoned dump site with highly eroded land Pond created 10 years ago as part of storm water management plan Pond created 10 years ago as part of storm water management plan Only inflow of water for this.36 acre pond is storm water runoff Only inflow of water for this.36 acre pond is storm water runoff Restoration plan is in development by the Botanical Garden Restoration plan is in development by the Botanical Garden GIS data shows an average of 53 inches of precipitation per year and soil type is Cecil Sandy Loam (ClC2) at a 6% to 10 % slope GIS data shows an average of 53 inches of precipitation per year and soil type is Cecil Sandy Loam (ClC2) at a 6% to 10 % slope

Pond greatly impacted by inflow of sediment from surrounding areas due to “soup bowl” like condition Pond greatly impacted by inflow of sediment from surrounding areas due to “soup bowl” like condition Planted trees not providing bank support or cover Planted trees not providing bank support or cover Minimal pond vegetation Minimal pond vegetation Obvious sites of erosion from surrounding banks, drainage pipe and “funnel” type area Obvious sites of erosion from surrounding banks, drainage pipe and “funnel” type area Minimal pond vegetation (cat tails, rushes, water lilies) Minimal pond vegetation (cat tails, rushes, water lilies) Problem Statement : Problem Statement : To reduce the sediment inflow rate into the Meadow pond site and to establish a self-sustaining wetland ecosystem

Site Survey Site Survey Soil type and condition Soil type and condition Existing seed bank Existing seed bank Placement of wireless monitors Placement of wireless monitors Current water conditions Current water conditions Changes in water chemistry and levels Changes in water chemistry and levels Flow characteristics Flow characteristics GIS data GIS data Hydrologic studies Hydrologic studies Soil and slope analysis Soil and slope analysis

Professional Consultations Professional Consultations Landscape Architect Landscape Architect Horticulturist Horticulturist Hydrologist Hydrologist Grading Contractor Grading Contractor Environmental Engineer Environmental Engineer Botanical Garden Trustees Botanical Garden Trustees Stake Holders Stake Holders

 Identify Goals and establish sequence of restoration steps  Locate reference site  Appoint restoration team and leader  Develop site specific goals  Reduce slope on surrounding banks to a approximately 4:1 to control erosion  Create Bioswale or Rain garden in areas of higher erosion potential (“funnel” area and drainage pipe area) to control sediment and contaminant flow into the pond  Replant slopes with native grass species (Panicum, Andropogon and Sorghastrum) to control erosion and sediment and contaminant flow into the pond

 Develop site specific goals (cont…)  Plant area directly surrounding pond site with wetland plant and tree species (willows, sedges, rushes, arrowheads, Juneberry, Sweetshrub) to control sediment and contaminant flow into the pond and create wetland ecosystem  Place bird and bat boxes in surrounding areas to help minimize insect populations  Place path and benches surrounding pond site to encourage public interaction but limit access to less sensitive areas  Identify funding sources and determine labor sources  Monitor restoration progress

Estimated at $25,000 Estimated at $25,000 Cost can vary depending on results of site survey Cost can vary depending on results of site survey Breakdown Breakdown 50% - for professional services 50% - for professional services 30% - for planting 30% - for planting 10% - for grading 10% - for grading 10% - for monitoring 10% - for monitoring

Positives Positives Site survey data may already be available Site survey data may already be available Good supply of “cheap” labor available on campus Good supply of “cheap” labor available on campus General public interacts with area daily General public interacts with area daily Wireless cloud already present Wireless cloud already present Restoration need already recognized Restoration need already recognized Negatives Negatives Limited water flow may not support planned ecosystem Limited water flow may not support planned ecosystem Proposed restoration plan exceeds planned budget Proposed restoration plan exceeds planned budget

Bodiford, John. Senior Horticulturist The South Carolina Botanical Garden. "Meadow Pond Information." 29 Mar Byrd, Deborah. Transportation Engineer USFS Transportation Engineer. "Pond Restoration Options." Personal interview. 22 Mar "Connecticut: Center Springs Pond Restoration Project: Skaters and Fish Return to Pond | Nonpoint Source Success Stories | US EPA." Index | Water | US EPA. 13 Oct Web. 06 Apr Flood, Margie. Professor Biological Sciences Gainesville State College. "Pond Restoration Options.“ Personal interview. 21 Mar "Official Series Description - CECIL Series." Ed. R. J. McCracken. Feb Web. 06 Apr Russ, Karen. "Plants for Damp or Wet Areas : Extension : Clemson University : South Carolina.“ Clemson University. Nov Web. 06 Apr Whetstone, Jack, D. Robinette, and Bob Polomski. "HGIC 1709 Aquatic Plant Selection : Extension : Clemson University : South Carolina." Clemson University. Feb Web. 06 Apr GIS Data Acquired from: NRCS Web Soil Survey Geospatial Data Gateway