United Church of Hinesburg Wetland Restoration
The area behind the United Church of Hinesburg (UCH) was selected as a high priority location for water quality improvements due to the runoff that was collected in a ditch from several residential developments, businesses, churches, and a portion of Route 116 uphill of the UCH. This ditch had berms on both sides and took an unnatural path to the LaPlatte River. Decades of channel straightening, ditching, berming, wetland filling, and increased stormwater runoff had contributed to unstable channels and degraded water quality. The land was once part of a larger wetland complex before being converted to agricultural use and later to playing fields.
Restoration work, which began in Fall 2024, included tilling the lawn, reshaping the land to allow water to move through the wetland naturally, and installing rocks and logs to slow water flow. Native trees, shrubs, and wetland seed mixes were planted to reestablish wildlife habitat and to clean up the water. In addition, the berm that previously forced water into the ditch around the field was removed in 2026, and a box culvert was installed under Stella Road to allow for larger amounts of water to go through it during storm events, and to allow wildlife to pass under the road. Water can now spread into the restored wetland, where plants and soils help filter pollutants. This work reduces phosphorus entering the LaPlatte River and Lake Champlain, increases flood resiliency, and provides wetland habitat that supports pollinators and wildlife. A mowed path with footbridges invites visitors to walk into the wetland and explore the site firsthand.
Before and After Construction
Site before restoration, October 2020. Photo credit: Jessica Louisos
Site after restoration, June 2026. Photo credit: Jessica Louisos
Check out the slideshow below for additional pre/post restoration and construction photos. Photo Credits: SLR Consulting (unless noted)
LCA board members & staff visiting the restored wetland, July 2026. Photo credit: Jessica Louisos
This project was funded by Watersheds United Vermont (WUV)’s Design & Implementation and Enhancement Design & Implementation Block Grants, with funding provided by Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VT DEC)’s Clean Water Initiative Program. Earlier project development and design were also supported by VT DEC Clean Water funds, and administered by WUV and Mt. Ascutney Regional Commission.
