Kirwan Creek Revived
A Chesapeake Bay tributary once fouled by agricultural pollution has rebounded after a NFWF-supported restoration. Collaborative action by Maryland state and local governments, landowners and local citizens helped to rescue Kirwan Creek after years of degradation.
The high-profile project included the headwaters, wetlands, and shoreline of the stream, located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. By installing a system of shallow pools and restoring 20,000 feet of tidal and non-tidal wetlands, runoff from adjacent farmland gets filtered naturally before it reaches the Bay.
Other parts of the project included stabilization of the streambed and construction of nearly 500 feet of living shoreline along three Kirwan Landing community properties. Volunteers in the community helped to plant more than 300 trees and shrubs and 7,500 native perennials.
“Everything has been done and looks first class,” reported Andrew Schultz, one of the property owners involved. “I can honestly say that I have seen new life there…grasses are coming up and many forms of fish are swimming up and down the top of the biologs.”
The restoration reduced the flow of pollutants into the Bay, provided new habitat for its wildlife, and beautified the coastline – benefits explained in interpretative signage at the site. NFWF’s Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund, a partnership with EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program and public and private donors, supported the turnaround.