Existing conditions within the project area consisted of ditched agricultural crop land in an area adjacent to high quality tidal and non-tidal wetland draining to Rose Bay Creek located on the coastal plain of North Carolina. The main ditch draining the site was a perennial stream draining to Rose Bay Creek which frequently flooded agricultural fields making the area increasingly difficult for the landowner to farm. Ecotone, Inc. in cooperation with its sister company Albemarle Restorations LLC purchased 36 acres of marginal farmland from the landowner at fair market value for the purpose of restoring riverine and non-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.

Plans included the interception of persistent hydrology within existing agricultural ditches within the project area, and distribution of this hydrology throughout the restored wetlands. Ecotone prepared a design creating a broad watercourse by widening and raising the elevation of the existing ditch and lowering the elevation of the existing farm fields in order to disperse the hydrology throughout the entire project area. The design would effectively allow the restoration site to be completely inundated during flood events and provide saturated conditions throughout the majority of the growing season. In order to provide greater water quality, the design plans included microtopography which would add hydrologic retention time to inundation from flood events. A planting plan was prepared providing for reforestation of the restored wetlands using appropriate native species.

The project was designed, permitted, constructed, and planted during the period between May 2006 and May 2007. The project resulted in the restoration of 36 acres of riverine and non-riverine forested wetlands; effectively providing a full delivery project on extremely tight deadlines. The restored wetlands 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, provides vital wetland restoration and wildlife habitat, and increased water quality in an impaired watershed.