Welcome to the Arc’s first Wetland Workshop!

Thursday, November 5

5:30 pm: Meet at the Appalachian Forest Museum. A brief introduction to the Arc of Appalachia, your instructor, and fellow participants! The evening presentation at the Appalachian Forest Museum to follow. ‍

Directions: The Appalachian Forest Museum is one mile south of Hwy 50 on Cave Road. The parking entrance is on your left, across from the Museum. Coordinates: 39.22306, -83.35791.

6:00 pm: Evening Presentation: How to Build a Wetland that Will Last Forever by Tom Biebighauser. Tom has over 48 years of wetland and stream restoration experience and has built over 3,650 wetlands and streams in 26 states, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and Puerto Rico. He teaches practical wetland restoration workshops worldwide where participants learn about restoration by becoming involved in the design and construction of natural-appearing and functioning wetlands for rare species. 

Friday, November 6

7:45 am: Meet at God’s Country Trail. Gather at the Highland Sanctuary West Trailhead for the God’s Country Trail.

Directions: Follow Cave Road north to Hwy 50. Turn left. One mile west of Rainsboro, turn south onto State Rt. 753 at the blinking yellow light. Follow 753 for 2.8 miles. The mowed lot will be on your right. Coordinates: 39.18217, -83.41903.

8:00 am: Construction of a vernal pond wetland using an excavator. Morning session includes:

• Safety discussion 

• Introduction and orientation to the property 

• Discussion with the heavy equipment operator about wetland development

• Wire flags marking of the perimeter of the proposed wetland

• Plastic ribbons marking of any trees and shrubs to be removed by heavy equipment

• Excavation and analysis of soil texture by layer after a test hole is dug by the excavator

• Excavator usage to dig the core trench and basin for the wetland

The following hands-on activities will take place during construction if time allows:

• Use of dual-sided grade rod and laser level to design and build wetlands

• Soil texture analysis and wetland construction

• Construction of groundwater dams

• Control of head-cuts using soil, rock, and wood 

• Spillway design and construction

12:00 pm: Lunch Break at Ridgeview Farm

Lunch provided by the Arc of Appalachia

Resume Construction after lunch. Activities include:

• Seeding and planting the new wetland

• Placement of large wood debris

• Controlling invasive plants 

• Review of common wetland and aquatic plants and plant material sources 

• Rough and loosen technique for controlling erosion and establishing native plants

• Designing wetlands for rare species 

Participants design one or more wetlands that may be built in the future

4:30 pm: Complete wetland construction.

Saturday, November 7

7:45 am: Meet at the Ridgeview Farm Trailhead. This trail is adjacent to Beaver Cemetery.

Directions: Follow Cave Road north to Hwy 50. Turn left. One mile west of Rainsboro on Hwy 50, turn south onto State Rt. 753 at the blinking yellow light. After 1.8 miles, turn left at the sign for Beaver Cemetery onto a gravel lane. Keep left at the fork and follow the lane back to the cemetery, where you can park. Coordinates: 39.19483, -83.42645

8:00 am: Construction of a vernal pond wetland using hand tools. Meet at the big red barn at Ridgeview Farm to begin the day.

The following hands-on activities will take place during construction, as time allows:

• Safety discussion

• Introduction and orientation to the property

• Wire flags marking of the perimeter of the vernal pool to be built

• Use dual-sided grade rod and laser level for wetland design

• Soil texture analysis and wetland construction by hand

12:00 pm: Lunch Break at Ridgeview Farm

Lunch provided by the Arc of Appalachia

Resume construction after lunch. Activities include:

• Preparation of the excavated area for a pond liner

• Install and secure the pond liner

• Finish the pool

4:00-4:30 pm: Wrap up and final thoughts. End time is dependent on how fast we dig!