As part of the mitigation requirements, VDOT was required to replace any wetlands lost to road construction by creating twice as many forested wetlands, 1.5 times as many shrub-scrub wetlands and an equal amount of emergent wetlands. The mitigation areas were clustered together to form one large wetland area, instead of many small and fragmented wetlands.

Original plantings included a variety of shrubs and hardwood trees adapted to wetland conditions, including red maple, sycamore, pin oak, willow oak, green ash, button bush and black willow. A variety of rushes and sedges were planted along with wildflowers such as hibiscus. Over time the site has matured and other native plants have begun to colonize the area, including Birdfoot Violets we saw on our April 2009 tour.

Permanently protected by a conservation easement, the Route 234 Wetland Mitigation Area preserves both upland and wetland habitats and is quickly becoming a refuge for wildlife in a rapidly developing area.

Route 234 Wetland Mitigation Area Preliminary Bird List
90 Species ... download Excel spreadsheet here.