Description

This project was aimed at enlarging, enhancing and maintaining Houston Meadow, which provides a unique and important habitat for birds, butterflies and other wildlife. Improvements include a substantially expanded area and improved quality of meadow (30 ac) and shrubland (8 ac), both under-represented habitat types in the Park, the restoration of 7 acres of oak forest, increased the food, cover, breeding, and nesting areas for a 24+ species of birds, and the creation of conditions that favor the return of formerly-present breeding bird species. This included the removal of hundreds of early-successional trees (such as black locust and black cherry) and invasive shrubs (such as Amur honeysuckle and autumn olive) and which had encroached on the meadow and the drill-seeding of meadows with native warm-season grasses and wildflowers.

Before Reclamation

During Reclamation

After Reclamation

After Reclamation

Location

County: Philadelphia
Watershed: Wissahickon Creek

Partners

U.S. Forest Service (ARRA Grant)
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
TreeVitalize
Friends of the Wissahickon
Audubon Pennsylvania

Cost

$289,000 (All Construction)

Contact

Philadelphia Parks and Recreation
215.683.3600