Wetland Plant Walk at Boone’s Clawson-Burnley Park August 28

Date:  Tuesday, August 28
Time: 6:00pm
Location:  Clawson-Burnley Park, Hunting Hills Lane, Boone
Cost:  Free

It’s been 4 years since the 1.4-acre stormwater wetland was constructed along the greenway trail in Boone.  Within these 4 years volunteers and town employees have planted hundreds of native plants that are now thriving and providing water treatment and habitat for wildlife.  The wetland tour will be led by Wendy Patoprsty of the Watauga County Cooperative Extension and will last one to two hours.  All ages are welcome to join us, as Wendy will provide some hands-on activities to view the flora and fauna of the wetland.  

“A wide variety of wetland, floodplain and upland plants are blooming,” Patoprsty said, “and all those plants play a specific role in the wetlands and for the wildlife in the wetland.”  A constructed stormwater wetland is different from a natural wetland in that it captures runoff from the streets, parking lots and rooftops and cleans it before entering the river.

This “ecosystem service” to clean the water is the first of three primary goals of a constructed stormwater wetland.  “Not only does it help filter the water, it also provides a unique ecosystem for lots of different species of plants, birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and mammals” Patoprsty said.   

Water-fowl and migratory songbirds find a resting place here in Boone in the constructed stormwater wetland on the Greenway Trail.  The Greenway is part of the North Carolina Birding Trail and one can find diverse species along the river, fields and woods that make up the path.  Wetlands are important bird habitats because birds use them for breeding, nesting, rearing young, a source of drinking water, resting, and social interactions. Wetland vegetation also provides shelter from predators and from the weather.

Lastly, this wetland park within the town is an area for the community to enjoy.  The trail around the wetland provides a great view to observe what’s going on in the wetland.  During the tour, participants will walk around the wetland, identify plants and birds and learn about how the wetland contributes to the health of the New River.   The trail is ADA accessible so that all may enjoy the sounds and surroundings of nature.

What to bring:  this is a rain or shine event, either an umbrella or rain gear if the weather looks wet, binoculars if you have them, something to drink, any nature guides that you think would be appropriate.

For more information contact Wendy Patoprsty at (828)264-3061 or email at Wendy_Patoprsty@ncsu.edu