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 collected in a culvert from several residential developments, businesses, churches, and a portion of Route 116 uphill of the UCH. 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 habitat. In addition, the berm that previously forced water into the ditch was removed in 2026, and a box culvert was installed under Stella Road to allow for increased capacity during storm events, and to provide wildlife connectivity. Water can now spread into the restored wetland, where plants and soils help filter pollutants and reduce phosphorus entering the LaPlatte River, as well as provide wetland habitat that will support pollinators and wildlife. A mowed path with footbridges invites visitors to walk into the wetland and explore the site firsthand.

Before and After Construction photos

Site before restoration, October 2020. Photo credit: Jessica Louisos

Site after restoration, June 2026. Photo credit: Jessica Louisos

Berm removed and water flowing downstream through swale into restored wetland, June 2026. Photo credit: Jessica Louisos

Berm removed and water flowing through swale (looking upstream), June 2026. Photo credit: Jessica Louisos

Check out the slideshow below for additional pre/post restoration and construction photos. Photo Credits: SLR International (unless noted)

LCA Board Members & Staff visiting the restored wetland, July 2026. Photo credit: Kate Kelly

 

This project was funded by the Watersheds United Vermont Enhancement Design & Implementation Block Grant and the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VT DEC) Clean Water Fund. Earlier project development and design were supported by VT DEC Clean Water funds administered through Watersheds United Vermont and Mt. Ascutney Regional Commission.