The Green Hope Wetland forms around the remnants of an in-stream sedimentation pond
Disruption:
Construction of the Cary Tennis Center and Heritage Pines Subdivision, along with the destruction of a beaver dam, led to years of disruption to the ecosystem.
A Thriving Ecosystem:
After surviving the disruptive forces of construction, the wetland recovered and thrived. These years showed an increase in the abundance and biodiversity of wildlife.
Climate Change:
Since 2010, the wetland has seen the influence of climate change through more severe oscillations in temperature and precipitation. This has led to periodic droughts that have, in some cases, eliminated entire species from the wetland.
streamwatch pictures
Filling In:
In 2017, construction began on Emory Springs Townhomes south of GHHS. The developer implemented little to no erosion control resulting in a massive influx of sand upstream. Sand has covered the stream bed, destroying habitat for benthos. It has also choked out vegetation, minimizing fish habitat. Students have been dredging since 2018, but it will take several more years for all the sand to flush out of the wetland.
