Worton Wetland and TREEmendous Habitat Creation

Purpose: Remove nutrient and sediment pollution from Rileys Mill Creek and create wetland habitat.

15,000 Native Plants, 1.27 Acres of Wetlands, 2,671 Square Foot Rain Garden, Immeasurable Impact.

Project: ShoreRivers installed a 1.27-acre wetland in Worton Park Recreational Area, Kent County, that filters non-point source pollution from 120.2 acres of public park and agricultural land situated at the headwaters of Riley’s Mill Stream, an impaired tributary to the Chester River. The project is a partnership between ShoreRivers, Partnerships for Ecological Restoration, Kent County High School, Kent County, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The wetland is located on county-owned land and drains 120.2 acres comprised mainly of turf grass and ball fields with minimal acreage of paved surfaces and agricultural. The wetland is located in Kent County’s largest public park with Kent County High School immediately adjacent, providing lasting educational and enjoyment opportunities for students and park-users. In addition, the Worton Park wetland project complements the 10 acres of trees and shrubs planted in 2014-2015 in the Park and the adjacent Kent County High School property using DNR Stream Restoration funding. Together, the tree planting and wetland installation will reduce non-point source nutrient and sediment pollution to local waters, create native habitat, beautify the school and park, and serve as a demonstration project for students and park-users.

The Worton Park Wetland finished well under budget. ShoreRivers received an approved modification request to reallocate funds to a new project – the Church Hill Elementary School (CHES) Bioretention Area. During the summer of 2017, ShoreRivers constructed a 2,671 square foot bioretention area and completed the associated grading that provides stormwater treatment for a 3.42 acre drainage area that is 20.9% impervious area. Additionally, the bioretention area provides valuable habitat and educational opportunities for the school and community.    

Pollution Reductions: 153 lbs of Nitrogen, 11 lbs of Phosphorus, and 1345 lbs of sediment annually.