Wissahickon Restoration Volunteers
Kitchen's Lane Stewardship Project (2002-2005)
Over the past three years, Wissahickon Restoration Volunteers undertook a series of restoration activities in the steep-sided basin at the corner of Kitchen's Lane and Scotforth Road which forms the headwaters of a small un-named tributary to the Wissahickon Creek. The initial phase of the project involved the removal of a number of invasive species including Japanese honeysuckle, princess tree, Japanese knotweed, and privet. Planting occurred in stages over the life of the project, and culminated with the installation of a number of herbaceous wildflowers, grasses, and sedges in the spring of 2005. A total of over 1,046 native plants were reintroduced at the site in order to stimulate the development of a forest canopy, reduce soil erosion, provide critical wildlife habitat, and protect the water quality of this first order stream. Native species added to the site include American basswood, eastern redbud, swamp oak, river birch, silver maple, sassafras, sweet pepperbush, and nannyberry.
Dlugach Memorial at Kitchens Lane
In the post-planting period a few troublesome non-natives such as phragmites, mile-a-minute vine, plume poppy, and purple loosestrife have appeared at the site. Their presence has been addressed and will continue to be monitored in the coming years until the native plant community is clearly established.
WRV gratefully acknowledges the following partners whose support has made this project possible. Funding assistance received from The Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund administered by the Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; The USDA Natural Resources and Conservation Service, and the Joe Dlugach Memorial Fund. Additional support was provided by The Fairmount Park Commission, The Temple Native Plant Propagation Center, and our dedicated community volunteers who contributed almost 4,000 service hours to the project.