Existing conditions within the project area consisted of ditched agricultural crop land in an area near Cooper Swamp on the coastal plain of North Carolina. The main ditch draining the site was a perennial stream draining to Cooper Swamp which frequently flooded agricultural fields making the area increasingly difficult for the landowner to farm. Ecotone, Inc. in cooperation with its sister company Albemarle Restoration purchased at above market value a 40 acre easement on the property in order to provide full delivery services to create riverine wetlands through the North Carolina Ecological Enhancement Program. The project area exhibited strong hydric soil characteristics and a shallow depth to groundwater all indicating that this site would be best suited for a wetland restoration project.

Design plans included the restoration of the typical morphology of a headwater riverine wetland system with variable plant communities and open water habitats. In order to achieve greater water quality Ecotone prepared a design creating a broad watercourse by filling the existing ditches and lowering the elevation of the existing farm fields to effectively disperse concentrated flows associated with flood events. The design would effectively allow the restoration site to be completely inundated during flood events, add microtopgraphy to increase hydrologic retention time, and provide saturated conditions throughout periods of an elevated water table. The design when implemented created a contiguous forested wetland corridor to Cooper Swamp, increased water quality to an impaired watershed, and restored vital habitat, and wildlife corridors.

The project was designed, permitted, constructed, and planted during the period between March 2006 and April 2007. The project resulted in the restoration of 40 acres of riverine wetlands which have proven to persistent, robust hydrology and provide significant habitat for a variety of wildlife, including breeding areas for numerous amphibian species. The end result of the project provided a significant financial return for the landowner on marginally productive farmland, vital wetland restoration and wildlife habitat, and increased water quality to an impaired watershed.