Swasey Park Culvert Project Complete August 2012

Exeter town residentshave taken notice, but for all others, construction on the Swasey Parkway is now complete and the roadway is open to through-traffic.  Last week the roadway was reopened after repairs to the historic stone culvert.  As part of a team effort with CMA Engineers, Ironwood design group was called in to address the natural features of the site.  Stabilization of the culvert’s banks with riprap was a first step in preventing further soil erosion and water turbidity: important as the culvert drains directly into the Squamscott River. The reconstruction of the banks was done with openings and irregularity using the fallen stones to provide habitat for native fish and anchorage for native species  such as Sweet Flag (Acorus americanus) and New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae) to become established on the bank.  Other native species such as Blue Flag iris, (Iris versicolor), Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) and Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) provide ornamental enhancement  for residents and double as food and habitat for local fauna. Don’t forget to pay a visit next spring to appreciate the lovely setting at the edges of Norris Brook-the site of a previous Ironwood restoration effort. Signage there explains the significance of wetland species in detaining and cleaning storm water.