(Newark, OH) – The Dawes Arboretum and the Stream + Wetlands Foundation are proud to announce the launch of a new wetland restoration project at The Arboretum’s Rolling Hills Meadow property. In collaboration with the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) and Microsoft, the project will utilize grant funding to create several wetland pools within the center of the property.
This joint effort to restore wetland habitat at The Dawes Arboretum begins in late September and will provide numerous important functions, such as filtration of run-off, nutrient cycling, wildlife and pollinator habitat and educational opportunities. The future addition of walking trails and enhanced view sheds in the Rolling Hills Meadow will allow members and visitors access to this stunning focal point.
“We are deeply committed to restoring and preserving the natural beauty of our local ecosystems. This collaboration with the Stream + Wetlands Foundation, supported by the Society for Ecological Restoration and Microsoft, allows us to make a lasting impact on the environment and our community,” said Katie Carter, COO/Acting CEO of The Dawes Arboretum. “We are excited to see the positive changes that this project will bring and look forward to engaging with local volunteers in this vital work.”
The restored wetlands will support marsh areas, including deeper pools dominated by floating-leaf aquatic plants. These features will provide valuable habitat for waterfowl and amphibians, and the native flowering plants will support pollinators, especially monarch butterflies.
“Since our establishment in 1992, we have designed and constructed numerous successful wetland restoration projects throughout the state. When the Society for Ecological Restoration approached us with this grant opportunity, we knew we wanted to do a project that would be an asset to the people of southwest Licking County,” said Vince Messerly, President of Stream + Wetlands Foundation. “Early on in the process, we chose to donate our services to ensure that all of the grant funding is directed towards the implementation of the project in order to maximize the size and scope of what can be accomplished. We are confident this project will fulfill SER’s standards-based ecological restoration goals, while facilitating community engagement and providing educational opportunities in partnership with The Dawes Arboretum.”
Ecological restoration projects such as this support the recovery of native ecosystems that have been degraded or destroyed and deliver positive benefits for nature and people. Benefits from other projects have included the recovery of native species and improving the delivery of ecosystem benefits for communities, like cleaner air and water. Ecological restoration also helps reconnect people with nature, including in urban settings, and is an important tool to address climate change and improve biodiversity.
“One of the best things about this collaboration is that it supports local organizations like the Stream + Wetlands Foundation and The Dawes Arboretum and community members, as well as Microsoft employees, to go outside and get their hands dirty restoring their backyard. Well-designed, well- implemented ecological restoration is a positive, empowering, solutions-based approach to local and global challenges. Microsoft’s commitment to standards-based restoration shows they take sustainability seriously,” said SER Executive Director Bethanie Walder.
The Wetland Restoration Project will also provide opportunities for local community members to get involved through volunteer events, where participants can contribute to the hands-on work of ecological restoration.These events will be announced through The Dawes Arboretum’s, Stream + Wetlands Foundation’s, and SER’s social media channels beginning in late summer, 2025.
About The Dawes Arboretum
Founded in 1929 by Beman and Bertie Dawes, The Dawes Arboretum is a 501(c)(3) living museum celebrating the conservation of trees, nature and history. Located in Newark, Ohio (30 miles east of Columbus), The Arboretum offers paved paths, trails and boardwalks to explore along with historical and art exhibitions and educational programming. The Dawes Arboretum is recognized by the National Registry of Historic Places and is one of only 48 fully accredited Arboreta in the world. The Arboretum is open daily, and admission is free to members and $10/adults, $5/children ages 5-15 and free/children under 5 years of age. Additional information on visiting, programming, history and membership is available at dawesarb.org.
About Stream + Wetlands Foundation:
Stream + Wetlands Foundation (S+W) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with over 32 years of experience as a successful practitioner of wetland and stream habitat restoration within Ohio. S+W has provided for the restoration, enhancement, or preservation of nearly 5,000 acres of wetlands and 40 miles of streams across the State through the implementation of mitigation banks, in-lieu fee sites, permittee-responsible mitigation, and grant funded restoration projects. During its 32-year history, S+W has shown a track record of successful and high-quality stream and wetland restoration projects.
About Society for Ecological Restoration:
The Society for Ecological Restoration works to ensure that ecological restoration is recognized and utilized as a fundamental component of global conservation, biodiversity and sustainable development programs and that ecological restoration projects are designed and implemented in a way that provides people with the opportunity to not only repair ecological damage but also improve the human condition. Learn more about the work and get involved in the network by visiting the Society for Ecological Restoration website.
