By Andrew Berry
Restoring Wetland on 162 Acres Along Wilson Creek
Creating habitat for wildlife and improving water quality downstream
Wetlands are critically important for water and wildlife resources — yet they are one of Kentucky’s most impacted habitats with a loss of 80% of area since settlement. Wetlands slow and filter water, recharge underground aquifers, and create moist green areas that store carbon and protect against drought and heat waves. Wetlands support species at all levels of the food web from plants to insects, amphibians, bats, birds, beavers, and otters. Working with both natural processes and engineered construction techniques, wetland restorations provide immediate and lasting ecosystem impacts that help Bernheim Forest and Arboretum achieve our conservation goals.
In 2016 Bernheim Forest acquired the 162-acre Thurman Tract on Wilson Creek, a neighboring property with extensive bat habitat across forests, glades, and soggy bottomland that had been ditched and drained for decades. Hydric soils, crayfish, and aquatic plants provided indicators for the locations of historical wetlands once found here. In 2024, after years of planning and permitting, we began a 9.3-acre wetland restoration project on this site. This newly completed Wilson Creek Wetland will provide critical habitat for wildlife and help mitigate loss of wetlands in the Salt River Basin. Loss of wetlands causes ripple effects downstream including flooding, lowered water tables, reduced water quality, and loss of biodiversity.
Building Wilson Creek Wetland
Wilson Creek Wetland includes six shallow pools that connect a series of existing drainage furrows. The main drainage ditch has been blocked, and flow is being diverted back into the field where the ground is acting as a giant sponge. The area has saturated soil and water ranging from 0.25 to 12 inches across lowest sections of the bottomlands. Shallow ephemeral wetlands contain standing water for at least 6 months of the year but will dry out during hot summer months ensuring habitat for amphibians and insects that require fish-free conditions. Animal tracks around the pools from birds, bobcats, and foxes show that these wetlands are having immediate impacts by supporting wildlife.
Restoring Vegetation and Providing Habitat
Trees and a select seed mix were planted to restore wetland vegetation, including over 1,800 trees with species including native bottomland and wetland varieties of oak, hickory, and more. Seeding of fifteen species of native herbaceous plants includes swamp milkweed, wild rye, jewelweed, lobelia, rushes, and sedges. Black willow and buttonbush were live staked around the edges of pools and ditches. In addition to the planted species, brush piles and logs were added around the water’s edge for habitat structure for amphibians, birds, and more.
Protecting and Monitoring the Site
Wilson Creek Wetland is forever protected with a conservation easement that ensures the existence of this 9.3-acre restoration site. During a 10-year monitoring period, we will continue to support the return of wetland plants and wildlife that form this unique habitat. Finding suitable places and funding to restore wetlands at Bernheim is imperative for protecting water and biodiversity.
Special thanks to our partners on this project including Resource Environmental Solutions, Marathon Pipe Line, and Corridor Land Services. Stay tuned as we follow progress through the seasons and years of this long-term restoration project.
This article was originally published in the Forest Echo, Spring 2025.
