Why
was this Wetland created?
When Tabb Library, located at the intersection of Hampton Highway (VA Route 134) and Long Green Boulevard in Yorktown, Virginia, was built in 1998, approximately one acre of forested wetlands was filled to construct the building and parking lot. According to section 404 of the Clean Water Act, York County was required to meet one of two criteria: The County could either pay an assessment to the Army Corps of Engineers as compensation for the one acre of filled wetlands, or the County could establish new wetlands based on a two to one acreage replacement requirement. The County selected Charles Brown Park as the location to create wetlands, using it as an educational opportunity for its citizens.
Photo of the site prior to wetlands
development - 2004.
Photo of the site after wetlands
development - 2006.
Volunteers helped with wetlands planting in Spring of 2004.
How was this wetland created?
After choosing the location, the County purchased two parcels of land on November 20, 2001 located behind the park. A drainage study began in 2002 to ensure there was enough water for the project to be successful. Groundwater was monitored in various areas, and soil excavation showed that the bottom of the basin was covered with soil indicative of previous wetlands.
Over a three month period, community service workers from York County performed a major clean up of the newly-acquired land. Workers cleared nearly one hundred 33-gallon drums of garbage and recyclable materials including glass, tin, aluminum, and tires. Large amounts of brush were also removed.
In Spring 2004, over 9,250 herbaceous plants were planted in the wetlands. Since ample water was available, Black Tupelo and Bald Cypress were added to the wetlands. In total, over 800 trees and shrubs were planted in fall 2004. The trees at the start of the trail were planted the following April by the Virginia Cooperative Extension.
Mid-Atlantic Realtors, a private partner, donated the kiosk, built the foundation trail, and constructed two bridges. The shorter loop of the the trail was added by the County, completing the trail in the summer of 2006.