Sculpting the Land to Restore Wetlands

During the project, Job Corps volunteers used heavy equipment to construct levees for water flow management and to create islands and potholes within the wetlands. A section of Morrison Creek was realigned into a natural meander, improving habitat for fish and other wildlife.

Nearby Meadowlark Lake, created as a borrow pit during the construction of Interstate 5, was enhanced by forming islands and submerged shelves suitable for tules, cattails and other aquatic vegetation. Today, waterfowl and other birds, previously uncommon at Meadowlark Lake, are often seen along the lake shore.

In addition to managing the restoration project, Regional San Bufferlands staff planted massive numbers of trees, shrubs, native grasses and other vegetation in the newly-formed wetlands, grasslands and associated uplands.