“This project involved substantial research and planning to reintroduce native wetlands hydrology and habitat,” said Michael Sweesy, Dudek’s principal landscape architect and senior habitat restoration specialist.A conceptual plan, which identified the project’s grading, hydrology, irrigation and plantings, was developed to create and enhance the maximum wetlands area available. This plan was ultimately reviewed and approved by numerous federal, state and local regulatory agencies.Project challenges included construction during the least Bell’s vireo breeding season, construction during the third wettest recorded rainy season, and the discovery of an uncharted cathotic cable array within the grading zone. Additionally, San Diego Gas & Electric needed access to a power pole located within the wetlands creation area.“More than 4,900 plants were salvaged and reused in addition to propagating genetically local container plants and seed mixes to return this open space area to its previous wetlands environment,” added Sweesy.As a result of thorough planning, the City of San Diego now has a thriving wetlands habitat emerging within the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. The project received a 2006 Environmental Honor Award from the American Public Works Association’s San Diego & Imperial Counties Chapter.
