The Swale Project in The Preserve

In early September, Nature Works, a firm specializing in environmental restoration projects began their project in The Preserve at Germantown Academy. Maura Saurman, middle school science teacher describes the project in this way:  "The purpose of the new wetland swale is to engineer a habitat that increases infiltration of rainwater and biodiversity of the preserve. When flood waters run quickly across the landscape there is damage done to the habitat.  You may remember the bridge that was swept away by fast moving flood water. Imagine the amount of soil that is also washed away and into the creek.  We want the water to slow down and go into the soil, not rush over it.The more plants we have in this area, the slower the water moves over the land.  Plants draw the water into the ground using their root systems.  In order to increase the diversity of plants growing in this area, the land had to be graded in a way that would encourage the growth of the plants chosen and discourage the growth of the cattails. The more varieties of plants growing in the preserve, the healthier the entire ecosystem becomes." Sarah Smith, Preserve Manager and upper school science teacher has been working with student volunteers and faculty across the school to help maintain the Preserve. The Swale was completed last week. Smith and Saurman, along with students will begin the work of replanting.