Spring Peeper Meadow Restoration Project

Spring Peeper Meadow Wetlands Restoration Project (SPM) aimed to restore a 30-acre sedge meadow on a tiled cornfield. Invasive reed canary grass was eliminated in 1995, and 115 species of native wildflowers, grasses, and sedges were planted to restore the original plant community. Over 67,000 seedlings and transplants were systematically planted. The project team documented the arrival and nesting of wildlife, including sora rails, wood frogs, and buffleheads. The basin's hydrology was restored by removing the tile lines that blocked water flow. The wetland was divided into six sections to compare the efficacy of planting versus seeding.