A P A R T N E R S H I P B E T W E E N F A I R F A X C O U N T Y A N D T H E T O W N O F V I E N N A

O C T O B E R 2 0 1 3

Wolftrap Stream Restoration in Wildwood Park, Vienna,

Virginia

Stormwater Planning Division Department of Public Works and Environmental Services 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 449 Fairfax, Va 22035 A Fairfax County, Virginia publication October 2013

Scouts and other park visitors installed a new sign at the entrance to Wildwood Park in the Town of Vienna on October 19, 2013, as a tribute to the completed project.

A New Sign Installed by Scouts

Wildwood Park, 700 Follin Lane SE, Vienna, Virginia

A section of Wolftrap Creek in Vienna’s Wildwood Park, in the Difficult Run Watershed, was restored in 2013 through a partnership between Fairfax County and the Town of Vienna. Before the restoration, the stream and the natural habitat

were degraded. Poor water quality and loss of the natural habitat are hallmarks of a poor environment.

A Partnership Between Fairfax County and the Town of Vienna

Employees and contractors of Fairfax County’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services worked with staff of the Town of Vienna’s Public Works and Parks and Recreation Departments to restore the stream and the surrounding natural habitat.

Uncontrolled stormwater runoff flowed through the stream and eroded the banks, exposing tree roots. Trees were falling which created a safety hazard.

Sediment was deposited in the streambed by stormwater runoff. Some aquatic animals raise their young in streambeds. Sediment covers the streambed and kills the aquatic animals living there.

Sediment May Harm the Natural Habitat

The restoration transformed the stream from a deeply incised channel with eroding banks to an environmental benefit for people and animals. The project raised the stream bed and reconnected the stream to the floodplain. • Stream banks were reconfigured to a more natural, gentle slope • Unstable trees were removed • Native trees, shrubs and other plants were installed

Undercut stream banks, unbalanced sediment transport and fallen trees,

demonstrate the “before” appearance of the area.

The Restoration

During Construction

As the restoration progressed, the stream began to look more natural.

During Construction

The First Rain Storm after Completion of the Restoration

Stream water flow is directed away from the banks to prevent erosion.

Another First Rain Storm Picture

Rain water meanders through the installed step pools that slow the velocity of the water.

Wolftrap Creek in Wildwood Park – A Completed Project

The water in the restored stream looks clean and fresh and the banks are stabilized.

A Few Logs Were Left Intentionally in the Stream to Provide Habitat for Fish

A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Was Held at the Completion of the Wolftrap Stream Restoration in Vienna’s Wildwood Park

The Honorable M. Jane Seeman, Mayor, Town of Vienna (at right of scissors) and The Honorable Sharon Bulova, Chairman , Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (at left of scissors) enjoyed the ribbon cutting on October 19, 2013.

Media, Neighbors and Scouts Attended the Ribbon Cutting

Town of Vienna and Fairfax County employees, along with passers-by, enjoyed the ribbon cutting event.

An Educational Sign Was Installed

Young patrons enjoyed the park and the healthy snacks provided by the Town of Vienna.

After the Area is Allowed to “Green Up” the Stream Will Resemble the Rendering Below

Environmental Benefits of the Stream Restoration

There are significant water quality improvements that impact the Chesapeake Bay. These pollutants are estimated to be removed from the stream water: • 162 pounds per year of Total Phosphorous • 352 pounds per year of Total Nitrogen • 154 tons per year of Total Suspended Solids The structures in the stream channel dissipate energy and direct the

water flow toward the center of the stream, away from the banks Riffle features were placed within the stream channel to add flow

diversity and to stabilize the habitat for organisms that live in the stream

Native plants help create a healthy ecosystem for small mammals, song birds and other animals

Details about the Wolftrap restoration may be seen at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/stormwater/projects/wolftrap_creek.htm Flickr pictures of the ribbon cutting and the restoration may be seen at http://www.flickr.com/photos/fairfaxcounty/sets/72157636909200036 A You Tube video about the Wolftrap stream restoration may be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ysge_E-_Y50&feature=youtu.be For further information or to request this document in an alternate format, call the staff of the Stormwater Planning Division at 703-324-5500, TTY 711, or email SWPDmail@fairfaxcounty.gov

Thank You.

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/stormwater