If you drive over the the Community Services building at 505 Telser Road to make a permit application or other Village related activity, take note of the wetland that is right next to the parking lot.  One year ago it was filled with the invasive Phragmites (common reed) and buckthorn.  Over the fall/ winter the phragmites was herbicided and burned, the buckthorm was cut and herbicided and wetland seed was spread.  Over the past few days the area was planted with many wetland grass, sedge and flower plugs. This will allow for better water filtration which one of a wetlands many functions.  It also provides a diverse habitat for the birds, butterflies and insects that rely on a clean source of water and food for their lives. Here are some photos of the wetlands at different stages of the restoration process;

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In late fall,2014  native wetland grass and flower seeds that Ancient Oaks  volunteers had collected from the Oak Ridge Marsh Nature Park were spread on the newly burned wetland.

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Some of the Public Works guys chipping buckthorn brush

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There they are, hard at work. removing buckthorn.   Ancient Oaks volunteers Judi and Mary herbicided the stumps of the newly cut buckthorn.

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Here’s the wetland, a day after native grass, sedge and flower plugs were planted.

Thanks to Mike Brown, Public Works Manager, for having the vision for improving this area and McGinty Bros for their expert guidance and professional services.  Keep watching this blog for updates on this areas restration progress..