Published: Jun 28, 2013 | 21:09 PM

Two Years Later, Vegetation Re-Establishes After Marsh Pond Rehabilitation

Two years ago, portions of the Fledgling Loop Trail at the Irvine Ranch Water District San Joaquin Marsh were eroding into the ponds, caused by years of saturated soil conditions and the effects of wave action due to prevailing wind patterns. The solution was to shore up the sides of the ponds using rock reinforcement, or “rip-rap.” The enhanced ponds and trails give Marsh visitors a better opportunity for hiking and bird watching.

“There was also some slope failure and some of the ponds had a vertical drop off a couple of feet on the road edges,” said Tom Bonkowski, project manager for the pond rehabilitation. “The road was in danger of being undermined.”

Bulrush and other vegetation along the affected areas of ponds A and B were removed in January 2010, the rip-rap added and the road re-graded. Work was completed in time for the March nesting season. New vegetation was planted, which has established during the past two years. For more information about the San Joaquin Marsh, and for a trail map, please visit our website.