Signs of life in the new channel

3 Feb, 2016        Author: administrator

Stumps and exposed peat cr. Alex Hackman

The construction at Tidmarsh East continues to amaze and inspire. The newly dug western channel is now ‘turned on’ from Cell 5 (the former reservoir) all the way north through Cell 1.  Three and a half earthen dams have been removed.  Thousands of cubic yards of sand have been moved to expose peat which in many places is chock full of old trees.  And so much more.

Microtopography in Cell 4 cr. Alex Hackman

Alex Hackman, Project Manager from Division of Ecological Restoration, returned to the site after a short vacation.  He writes: " we are [already] witnessing the return of life to the stream channel!  Just a few weeks ago…nothing but bare mud and sand.   Today…fish and algae are present in Cell 2.   Green slime might not inspire many, but it sure knocked my socks off yesterday.  Of course, 60 degree weather in February helps to get things growing. "

Feb 2 green algae and fish in cell 2 cr. Alex Hackman

A driving goal of Living Observatory is to capture ‘time zero’ and those rapid changes that follow.   We are now in the midst of this (rare and limited duration!) period of preliminary biological re-colonization and physical adjustment in the restored channel.  Alex, thanks for these pictures.  We look forward to a continuing stream of discovery!

Connecting the River

11 Jan, 2016        Author: administrator

River flows between bridge abutments!

After 3 months of securing the relic channel for full water passage, digging the river channel through the western bogs, and casting bridge footings, abutments and wing walls,  SumCo was ready to connect the main stem of the new channel with the relic channel. For the moment, the river flows through 2 culverts under the roadway. This is a super-milestone!  In the spring, the new bridge will be put in place over a free flowing channel.

Welcoming in 2016

3 Jan, 2016        Author: administrator

We welcomed in 2016 in the good company of family and friends and several walks around the restoration site.  Paul and Linda Williams helped organize and publicize a community walk for Saturday, January 2. Our thanks to thanks to Evelyn Strawn and Betsy Hall for spreading the word! And to the 40 people who showed up to witness the amazing transformation of Tidmarsh in progress.

Entering Tidmarsh restoration site - credit: Frank Mand, WalkingHome.US

Before we began to walk we had to reroute a lot of cars to another entrance as the berm we planned to walk across became impassable shortly before New Years day.  Once the group assembled, we scooted around the "Closed for Construction" gate just below Heather Drive, circling cell 6 and the "island", and after a bit arriving to witness the transformation of cell 2 and how the river channel will connect to cell 3.

Glorianna provides some background - credit: Frank Mand, WalkingHome.US

Continuing along the eastern edge of cell 2, past iconic views of the new river channel the group arrived at the junction of the bogs and the relic channel. Concrete work in progress is hard to ooh and ahh about, but everyone was enthusiastic about the prospect of a bridge creating the east-west crossing in that spot.  We went on to examine the remarkable properties of a log jam that now allows the relic channel to connect with itself.  Beautiful work!

Red Maple Swamp: Admiring the log jam - Credit: Frank Mand, WalkingHome.US

Next the gang climbed "Mars" for the best view of the valley.  Arriving back at the southern end of cell 2, the group separated with approximately half the gang going back to their cars; and the remainder carrying on along the West side of cell 3 and up to the marsh (an older transformation of the former reservoir).  Circling back, this group had a quick tour of the native plant greenhouse.

Descending from Mars - Credit Frank Mand, WalkingHome.US

Continuing along western edge of cell 3 - Credit: Frank Mand, WalkingHome.US

Wishing everyone a fun, productive and healthy 2016!