Worthington Manor Golf Course :
Wetland Enhancement & Riparian Buffer Project

Submitted by Jessica Hunicke,
Frederick County Watershed Management Section
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The County’s Urban Wetlands Program has monitored amphibians, birds, and vegetation at a number of wetland sites in the Bennett Creek watershed since 2007 (click here for monitoring results). Baseline habitat data gathered prior to the installation of wetland enhancement projects provides information on how effective the projects are at creating suitable habitat for birds and amphibians.Worthington Manor golf course is one of three sites in the Bennett Creek watershed that serves as a monitoring site and a future wetland enhancement site. The enhancement of this wetland area is scheduled for summer 2010.

View of Worthington Manor's north wetland enhancement site
prior to invasive species control and construction

Frederick County Watershed Management Section (WMS) staff has worked with Potomac Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, and Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage to develop this wetland enhancement project that also includes the establishment of a robust riparian buffer.  The project is located is located along an unnamed tributary of North Branch which drains to Bennett Creek.  Approximately 9 acres of trees and wetland plants will be installed. (Click here to view a map of the restoration project).  The project will improve habitat and water quality conditions while maintaining the line of sight requirements for golf.

The project has four basic stages: (1)pre-construction invasive species treatment, (2) installation of the wetland enhancement project, (3) installation of the riparian buffer, and (4) maintenance.  The project will result in the removal of multiple acres of invasive species including Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), Reed Canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea), Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), and Mile-A-Minute (Polygonum perfoliatum).  These and other invasive species will be replaced with native riparian and wetland plants.  A series of shallow wetland pools will be excavated to create open water habitat for amphibians and reptiles.  Once wetland construction is complete, trees will be installed to buffer the project. (Click here to view draft plans).

The wetland enhancement portion of the project is funded through a grant from the EPA passed through MDE.  The riparian buffer portion is funded through a Chesapeake Bay Trust grant.