SOLitude Helps Township Improve Schuylkill River Watershed

Utilizing a portion of a grant from the Schuylkill Highlands Landscape Conservation Initiative, and as a result of new regulations from the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), SOLitude Lake Management developed and executed a swale planting at the Kenilworth Park in North Coventry Township, Chester County, PA. The project included donated project management and consulting through The SOLution, the outreach and sustainability program from SOLitude Lake Management, and the in-kind assistance of workers from the North Coventry Township Public Works Department to place the vegetation in the swale.

This swale planting was recommended, organized and executed by John Phelps, Environmental Scientist with SOLitude Lake Management. This installation included a phased planting of 1400 plants and is part of a greater park and watershed remediation.

This initiative was the first of many identified projects that would improve the park and benefit the watershed. Other projects recommended by John Phelps and SOLitude Lake Management that are being considered by the township include: additional swale plantings, wetland nuisance plant eradication, overall wetland mitigation enhancement and pond enhancements including vegetative buffer enhancements and nutrient remediation.

John Phelps explains that “the swale planting benefits the watershed by improving runoff water quality, slowing the velocity of runoff and preventing erosion. It also enhances the aesthetics of the park.”

Kenilworth Park is dedicated to remediating the landscape and water quality challenges that they have faced over the years including a fish kill, erosion in the drainage swales and unwanted invasive plant species. “Our township is doing our part to beautify the park and be good stewards of the watershed,” reports Jay Erb, North Coventry Parks & Recreation Chairperson. “John and the staff at SOLitude have been very helpful and instrumental in developing the plan to take the corrective steps in improving our parks and local watershed.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS: (Before and After): To improve runoff water quality, reduce runoff velocity, and prevent erosion, SOLitude Lake Management’s John Phelps recommended a swale installation. These images display before and after the installation. (Completed Installation): The swale installation, managed by SOLitude Lake Management and installed with the assistance of workers from the North Coventry Township Public Works Department, included 1400 plants.

Download Free Report

Find Your Water Quality Solution

Contact the experts at 888-480-5253 for all of your lake, pond and fisheries management needs. 

Since 1998, SOLitude Lake Management has been committed to providing full service lake and pond management services that improve water quality, preserve natural resources, and reduce our environmental footprint. Services are available throughout the Eastern United States. Fisheries management consulting and aquatic products are available nationwide. Learn more about SOLitude Lake Management and purchase products at www.solitudelakemanagement.com.