Little Conestoga Restoration Project
Between Marietta Ave. and Columbia Ave.
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Project Update
Project Update
In November, we dropped off a flyer at your house letting you know about a project and asking who had some interest. We wanted to offer a bit of an update and get some feedback from neighbors who own property along the Little Conestoga. At the bottom of this page is a place to give us more information about your interest in a restoration project.
Ruth Beck (46 Jackson) and Josh Richard (60 Jackson) and our families both moved into the neighborhood in June 2019. We both instantly fell in love with the neighborhood and the creek. Only after moving in did we learn about the health of the river. After exploration, we found the Little Conestoga Watershed Alliance (LCWA) littleconestoga.org. LCWA was generous enough to commission LandStudies landstudies.com to perform a study of the creek in our backyards. LandStudies is recommending that we address the constant bank erosion by creating a wetlands bench, which is an area of land closer to the level of the creek that will buffer the flooding and greatly reduce the erosion that's taking away our backyards. The project will be paid for with grants, and no homeowner costs!
What LandStudies is Proposing
What LandStudies is Proposing
After a few trips walking up and down the creek, LandStudies is recommending that the banks be cut back and sloped, creating a "Wetlands Bench" that would be a flatter area closer to the level of the water. LandStudies also recommends a plan should be made with each individual homeowner. Josh and Ruth see the benefits as:
Reduced Environmental Impact while planting new plants in your yard
LandStudies would be working with each landowner to choose new, native plants that will grow and flourish in the repaired areas.
No loss of property
The properties that end at the creek will not be shortened but lowered in a more useable way.
This should alleviate erosion that is taking our creek banks straight into the Chesapeake Bay!
Better access to the creek
Instead of a five foot dirt cliff, you will have a sloped and flat area that will still be your property.
Better property value
By improving the creek access, your property could become more valuable.
No Cost to Landowners
The cost associated with the project will be paid for with grants, with zero cost to homeowners
Next Steps - What we need from you
Next Steps - What we need from you
The Little Conestoga Watershed Alliance and LandStudies are willing to seek grants and perform the work. Before they do that, they need to know that homeowners want to improve the creek in their backyards. Ruth and Josh are now compiling a list of neighbors who would like to be part of the project. Would you be willing to be on that list? if so, please let us know by texting or emailing us.
Contact Information
Contact Information
Josh Richard
Josh Richard
Ruth Beck
Ruth Beck
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if we do nothing?
What happens if we do nothing?
If we choose no action, the creek will keep straight sides, helping the water move faster and keep washing out more of our property downstream.
What is the cost to homeowners?
What is the cost to homeowners?
We hope there is zero cost to homeowners. The goal is to have all costs paid for by grants secured by LandStudies and The Little Conestoga Watershed Alliance.
What are the impacts on the existing trees and landscaping in my yard?
What are the impacts on the existing trees and landscaping in my yard?
The plan for each property will look slightly different. Mature trees and shrubs are very valuable and will be kept whenever possible. Some plants very close to the creek will need to be moved and possibly replanted. Additional native trees and shrubs can be planted to improve the life of the creek.
Will my land be taken away?
Will my land be taken away?
No, for the most part, our properties end at the creek. Some earth will be removed to build the wetlands bench and improved slope, but the path of the creek is expected to stay where it is. This should create an area of your property where the creek is more accessible.
Will my view of the creek be obstructed?
Will my view of the creek be obstructed?
No, by cutting the bank slightly, you will see more water and less eroding bank.
Why is the term "native plants" used so often?
Why is the term "native plants" used so often?
When the wetlands bench is built, homeowners will be consulted on what native plants will be placed along the creek. There are a few benefits to using native plants. The largest is that the plants that naturally grow in this area grow deeper roots so that they do well with the local weather and stop erosion along the creek.
What are Ruth and Josh asking homeowners to commit to?
What are Ruth and Josh asking homeowners to commit to?
We are working to find out how much interest there is in this project before LandStudies and LCWA take over and apply for state and federal grants to perform the work.
What is your involvement in the project?
What is your involvement in the project?
We are excited about the creek and want to preserve and improve it for many years to come.
Interest Form
Interest Form
Below is a form to complete letting us know how interested you are. This is not a commitment. Based on how many neighbors are interested, LCWA and LandStudies will move forward with grant applications.
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