Construction is underway on the second phase of stream restoration at Springbrook Gardens Park in Mentor to stabilize 650 linear feet of streambank and revegetate one acre of floodplain with native species.
This phase focuses on the stretch of stream which flows east to west from Heisley Road and will reestablish ecological function to the channelized stream, which eventually drains to Mentor Marsh and Lake Erie, by adding sinuosity and improving floodplain connectivity.
Streambanks will be graded to a gradual slope and planted with native vegetation to decrease erosion and sedimentation. The stream will transform from a straight ditch to an “S-shaped” channel, which will slow down the water and allow it to soak into the restored floodplain. This enhanced area will provide greater habitat for amphibians, fish, birds, and other wildlife that utilize the park. Treatment of nonnative vegetation will reduce competition of invasive species with the newly installed native plants. Restoration efforts will compliment work that was recently completed just downstream within the park.
The restoration will allow for sediment and other pollutants to be filtered from the water before entering Marsh Creek. The project will also slow down stormwater flows and help alleviate downstream flooding while improving aquatic habitat.
The City has contracted with Davey Resource Group and Marks Construction, Inc., a design-build team of environmental scientists, engineers, and contractors, to complete this restoration work. Chagrin River Watershed Partners, Inc., a local nonprofit watershed organization, and Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District are also assisting the City of Mentor with this project.
Financing for this phase, in the amount of $258,450, was provided through a grant from the State of Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Environmental Protection Agency, under the provisions of Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act.