Philadelphia Farm to Forest
Located within Philadelphia city limits, this property’s deteriorated stream valley and historic pond were transformed at a multi-year environmental restoration project. Pond dredging removed years of accumulated sediment and created opportunities to reintroduce fish and aquatic plants. The stream was reengineered to decrease fluvial velocity and erosion, and lined with indigenous stone and plants. After crisscrossing the stream over a series of stone bridges, the pathway system circles the pond, passes beneath dense hardwoods, and traverses a warm-season grass and wildflower meadow. An Artesian spring feeds the pond, flowing constantly through a stone spout and vessel. The new Springhouse and dock were constructed on the ruin of a bygone structure, and a new root cellar buried in the hillside hides utilities and service functions. The entire project utilizes native plants exclusively; they were selected for deer resistance and their ability to out-compete invasive exotic species.
Photography: Stephen Govel Photography