Environmental Restoration

The Town of Creston worked to transform 4.3 hectares (10 acres) of municipal land into an educational wetland ecosystem and public open space. Through the Creston Open Reservoir Restoration Project, the decommissioned and inaccessible reservoirs located on Crawford Hill were repurposed into natural space available for the public to enjoy - featuring trails, habitat restoration areas, wildlife viewing, and spectacular views of the Creston Valley.

Environmental restoration of the former north and southwest open reservoirs commenced on March 22nd 2021, and is now substantially complete. Both areas have been broadcast seeded with grasses, and are now waiting for precipitation to initiate growth. Creation of bat habitat is planned to take place when a bat specialist is able to travel to Creston.

The former southwest open reservoir has been transformed from a relatively featureless grass depression into a diverse wetland habitat with 3 shallow (1-2 ft deep) wildlife ponds, increased landscape variation, and scattered wood features. Narrow land bridges connect the ponds and provide a mix of water and earth for amphibians and other animals that spend time in both habitat types. Though the site looks very raw, grass and other vegetation will fill in the area as the year progresses.

The former north open reservoir has been partially filled with soil by pushing in the berms that surrounded the perimeter and packing it down. A fish grade pond liner has been installed and water added to a maximum depth of approximately 8 feet. Surrounding the new pond are a variety of wood and rock habitat features, including 2 hibernacula (columns of boulders underground, surrounded by packed soil that provide crevices for cold-blooded animals to hibernate below the frost line.

Check out more photos in the side bar!