DC WATER Hickey Run Washington, D.C.

The restoration of an urban stream enhances the beauty and mission of the National Arboretum while improving in the densely developed watershed.

stabilization at sewer crossings use of locally sourced, native to protect the infrastructure material in the restoration, and and minimize sedimentation. implemented construction in a way that minimized dis- In an effort to restore stability, turbance to the Arboretum’s habitat, and natural function grounds and programming. to the stream while also en- The design included stabiliza- hancing its ability to manage tion of a floodprone bench it receives from its and boulder toe along Hickey densely developed watershed, Run, and the installation of DC Water initiated a project to several riffle grade controls restore Hickey Run. along the to sta- bilize the channels and abate As the prime of the design- sedimentation caused by ex- build team contracted to cessive bank erosion. Instream From top: with exposed sewerline prior to restoration; DC Water through Anchor habitat was enhanced through A restored tributary with riffle protecting sewer and stream. Construction, Biohabitats the incorporation of wood crafted and implemented the material salvaged from on-site he watershed surround- by stormwater from the in- restoration. The team began and installed within the rock T ing Hickey Run, a tribu- creasing impervious surface by reviewing existing data and structures and pool areas. The tary to the Anacostia River, in the watershed. The stream conducting a thorough site site was revegetated with was once home to five miles of was further degraded when assessment. Biohabitats then native material grown at vibrant streams and tributar- emergency repairs were made crafted restoration designs and the Arboretum. ies. As the watershed rapidly to an aging and failing sewer prepared permitting for five developed, however, much of line that ran adjacent to it. locations along the stream. In Hickey Run was piped. Today, The repairs at the rupture keeping with the Arboretum’s only a small section of the location resulted in the need mission, which includes SERVICES stream, which flows through to restore the natural condi- enhancing the environmental Assess the U.S. National Arboretum, tion of the streambank slopes value of its landscape, and Plan remains above ground. This and riparian area and further its dedication to modeling Engineer & Design portion of the stream had protect the sewer line. In addi- best environmental practices, Build become eroded and polluted tion, two tributaries required Biohabitats maximized the Manage

Physiographic Province Coastal Plain Bioregion Chesapeake/Delaware Bays 800.220.0919 Watershed www.biohabitats.com Anacostia River