Lowell School Stream Design

Lowell School Stream Restoration
	Approximately 300 linear feet of stream were restored on the campus of this Washington D.C. area private primary school. A subterranean spring daylights on the property of the Lowell School and flows across a portion of the campus feeding Rock Creek. Prior to the restoration project discharge from the springhead flowed through a straight ditch into Rock Creek. The existing stream was not aesthetically pleasing, held little ecological value, and was of no educational worth to the school. Ecotone was hired to create a naturally meandering stream that was ecologically sound, could be used as an educational tool for the school's science teachers, and complimented the surrounding landscape.
Ecotone developed a stream design using dimensionless ratios based on discharge. In order to provide adequate flow through the system, Ecotone utilized pumps to recirculate a portion of the spring's base flow. Geotextile fabric was placed in the stream bottom to provide a stable base, and it was covered with rounded river boulders, cobbles, and gravels to give the stream a natural appearance. Along the stream corridor several planting areas were created, each one showcasing an ecosystem native to this region. During the planting phase of the project the students were given hands on planting experience.

Phases of the Project:

The existing spring flowed across the property in a small ditch. A new stream channel was designed and constructed.

The new channel was lined with geotextile fabric to help it maintain its form. Rounded river boulders, cobbles, and gravels were placed in the channel.

The the stream source just after the completion of construction. A riffle/pool complex midway through the project reach just after the completion of construction.

Looking upstream through the project area immediately following the completion of construction. Lowell school students planting trees along the new channel.

Ecotone environmental scientist, Scott Petrey, helps a few of the 5th graders plant some trees. A Lowell School teacher gives his students a lesson in botany.

Students enjoy playing in the mud while they plant the streamside wetland. Ecotone's faithful mascot, Babe, relaxes among the trees after the completion of planting

Looking upstream at the completed project. Students, faculty, and parents at the stream dedication ceremony.