Creating critical stopover habitat to benefit coastal migratory birds and pollinators

Henry Wetland Restoration at Woodland Dunes Nature Center

This 80-acre wetland restoration project began in 2017 when a stretch of land was donated to Woodland Dunes by Jon and Annette Henry. They wanted the property to be restored as wildlife habitat, and that’s where we came in.

Public and private partnerships were critical to transforming this former farm field, proposed for industrial development, into a mosaic of diverse habitat types. With native grassland, shrubs, and a forested swamp—along a critical coastal migratory flyway—we also included a nature trail with a viewing platform to create a destination for the public to enjoy this unique restoration. Nearly three miles of drain tiles were broken, shallow wetland pools were excavated, and the site was planted with native plants. This area is now home to pollinator insects and over 65 different species of birds, and it provides both nesting as well as migratory stopover habitat. Our work included a turnkey restoration including grant application, baseline assessments, drain tile investigation, feasibility studies, design, permitting, native seed, and tree plantings.

We’re performing follow-up restoration monitoring and management from 2020 through 2030. This project expanded Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve, creating highly diverse wetland and upland habitats that will be utilized year-round by the public and critical wildlife.