Muddy River Restoration Project

Habitat Enhancement

great blue heron

The Muddy River Restoration Project will enhance the wildlife habitat in and adjacent to the river. Habitat refers to the nesting, breeding and feeding places for a wide variety of birds, mammals, invertebrates, fish, amphibians and reptiles that populate the river and adjacent parklands. The subtle meandering of the river and the diverse and varied plantings designed by Olmsted created a rich habitat for wildlife.

phragmites choke the muddy river

This habitat has been degraded since Olmsted’s day through the loss of vegetation and the overgrowth of invasive species such as Phragmites, Japanese knotweed and purple loosestrife. The project will enhance habitat in and along the river through the removal of invasives and replacement with a diverse cross section of plantings including emergents (water plants), wetland species, low and high shrubs and trees.

sketch of a healthy riverbank