Black Swamp Phase II

In the fall of 2016, EnviroScience, Inc. and RiverReach Construction completed the design-build restoration of two former agricultural properties in Paulding County, Ohio. The sites were heavily altered by clearing, ditching, and field tile installation given their past agricultural land use. The project included over 40 acres of wetland restoration and 3,500 linear feet of stream within the historic extent of the Great Black Swamp (which once occupied approximately 1,500 square miles of northwest Ohio before being drained and converted mainly to agricultural production).

This project was designed and constructed to greatly improve the site’s hydrology through natural stream and floodplain restoration activities, and by interrupting the drain tiles. Natural vegetation was restored by installing native wetland and upland plants and seed mixes throughout the project area. Several vernal pools were also constructed that will provide important amphibian breeding habitat.