Wolftrap Creek Restoration in Vienna’s Wildwood Park, October 2013

1. Wolftrap Stream Restoration
in Wildwood Park, Vienna,
Virginia
A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN FAIRFAX COUNTY
AND THE TOWN OF VIENNA
OCTOBER 2013
Stormwater Planning Division
Department of Public Works and Environmental Services
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 449
Fairfax, Va 22035
A Fairfax County, Virginia publication October 2013

2. A New Sign Installed by Scouts
Scouts and
other park
visitors
installed a
new sign at
the entrance
to Wildwood
Park in the
Town of
Vienna on
October 19,
2013, as a
tribute to the
completed
project.

3. Wildwood Park, 700 Follin Lane SE, Vienna, Virginia
A section of
Wolftrap Creek
in Vienna’s
Wildwood
Park, in the
Difficult Run
Watershed,
was restored in
2013 through a
partnership
between
Fairfax County
and the Town
of Vienna.
Before the restoration, the stream and the natural habitat
were degraded. Poor water quality and loss of the natural
habitat are hallmarks of a poor environment.

4. A Partnership Between Fairfax County and the Town of Vienna
Employees and contractors of Fairfax County’s Department of Public Works
and Environmental Services worked with staff of the Town of Vienna’s
Public Works and Parks and Recreation Departments to restore the stream
and the surrounding natural habitat.
Uncontrolled stormwater
runoff flowed through the
stream and eroded the banks,
exposing tree roots.
Trees were falling which
created a safety hazard.

5. Sediment May Harm the Natural Habitat
Sediment was
deposited in the
streambed by
stormwater
runoff.
Some aquatic
animals raise
their young in
streambeds.
Sediment covers
the streambed
and kills the
aquatic animals
living there.

6. The Restoration
The restoration transformed the stream from a deeply incised channel with
eroding banks to an environmental benefit for people and animals.
The project raised the stream bed and reconnected the stream to the floodplain.
• Stream banks were reconfigured
to a more natural, gentle slope
• Unstable trees were removed
• Native trees, shrubs and other
plants were installed
Undercut stream banks, unbalanced
sediment transport and fallen trees,
demonstrate the “before” appearance of
the area.

7. During Construction
As the
restoration
progressed,
the stream
began to
look more
natural.

8. During Construction

9. The First Rain Storm after Completion of the Restoration
Stream
water flow
is directed
away from
the banks
to prevent
erosion.

10. Another First Rain Storm Picture
Rain water
meanders
through
the
installed
step pools
that slow
the
velocity of
the water.

11. Wolftrap Creek in Wildwood Park – A Completed Project
The water
in the
restored
stream
looks clean
and fresh
and the
banks are
stabilized.

12. A Few Logs Were Left Intentionally in the Stream to
Provide Habitat for Fish

13. A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Was Held at the Completion of the
Wolftrap Stream Restoration in Vienna’s Wildwood Park
The Honorable
M. Jane
Seeman, Mayor,
Town of Vienna
(at right of
scissors) and
The Honorable
Sharon Bulova,
Chairman ,
Fairfax County
Board of
Supervisors (at
left of scissors)
enjoyed the
ribbon cutting
on October 19,
2013.

14. Media, Neighbors and Scouts Attended the Ribbon Cutting
Town of
Vienna and
Fairfax
County
employees,
along with
passers-by,
enjoyed the
ribbon
cutting
event.

15. An Educational Sign Was Installed
Young patrons enjoyed the park and
the healthy snacks provided by the
Town of Vienna.

16. After the Area is Allowed to “Green Up” the Stream Will
Resemble the Rendering Below

17. Environmental Benefits of the Stream Restoration
There are significant water quality improvements that impact the
Chesapeake Bay. These pollutants are estimated to be removed from the
stream water:
• 162 pounds per year of Total Phosphorous
• 352 pounds per year of Total Nitrogen
• 154 tons per year of Total Suspended Solids
 The structures in the stream channel dissipate energy and direct the
water flow toward the center of the stream, away from the banks
 Riffle features were placed within the stream channel to add flow
diversity and to stabilize the habitat for organisms that live in the
stream
 Native plants help create a healthy ecosystem for small mammals, song
birds and other animals

18. Details about the Wolftrap restoration may be seen at
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/stormwater/projects/wolftrap_creek.htm
Flickr pictures of the ribbon cutting and the restoration may be seen at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fairfaxcounty/sets/72157636909200036
A You Tube video about the Wolftrap stream restoration may be seen at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ysge_E-_Y50&feature=youtu.be
For further information or to request this document in an alternate format, call
the staff of the Stormwater Planning Division at 703-324-5500, TTY 711, or email
SWPDmail@fairfaxcounty.gov
Thank You.
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/stormwater