KCI provided planning, design, and construction services for a stream and wetland restoration project that reestablished natural hydrology and enhanced ecological function across a previously modified agricultural landscape.
The project focused on restoring headwater streams, riparian wetlands, and natural drainage patterns within the Chowan River Basin. Prior agricultural drainage, channelization, grazing, crop production, and land clearing had significantly altered the site, resulting in degraded aquatic and riparian habitats.
The effort restored 4,274 linear feet of headwater stream and 10 acres of riparian wetlands, improving watershed function and reconnecting historic flow patterns. KCI provided stream, wetland, and riparian buffer restoration services that improved aquatic habitat and biodiversity while restoring natural hydrology, stabilizing stream channels, reducing nutrient pollution and runoff, and enhancing long-term ecosystem health. Our team’s work included removing drainage modifications, filling dredged channels, eliminating lateral ditches, and raising local groundwater levels to support wetland recovery.
The completed project transformed formerly altered agricultural land into a functioning stream and wetland system that supports improved water quality, enhanced habitat, and long-term watershed resilience.
