Ecological Benefits of Creating Stormwater Wetlands and Woodlands in Philadelphia, PA

Urban development and wetland loss have negatively impacted water quality. Natural areas and systems can help mitigate those impacts. With over two centuries of utilizing the Schuylkill River as a source of drinking water, Philadelphia has adapted from land preservation to wetland creation to achieve sediment Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) standards. This case study highlights how the innovation of constructed stormwater wetlands coupled with the restoration of forested natural areas provides water quality and ecological benefits. 

In a nutshell, this resource offers:

• An overview of a constructed wetlands project to reduce sediment load.
• An explanation of project results including a collaborative management model. 
• A planting list used to construct forested wetlands. 

How to use this resource:

• As a case study for improving water quality through the construction of urban natural areas.
• As an example of a nature-based solution for stormwater management. 
• As a model of interagency collaboration to manage natural areas.

Author: Richard Anthes Jr, Philadelphia Water Department, Aelin Compton, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, Luke Rhodes, Fairmount Park Conservancy

Date published: May 2023

Point of contact: Richard Anthes Jr, Philadelphia Water Department, Richard.anthesejr@phila.gov

Citation: Anthes, Richard Jr; Compton, Aelin; and Rhodes, Luke (2023) "Ecological Benefits of Creating Stormwater Wetlands and Woodlands in Philadelphia, PA," Cities and the Environment (CATE): Vol. 13: Iss. 1, Article 31. DOI: 10.15365/cate.2023.130131 

Resource is available online here.