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MPW's Riparian Buffer Project At Alhambra Hall
Partially funded by a grant from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), MPW was able to expand a non-point source pollution education program to include reestablishing the natural vegetative buffer along Alhambra Hall's waterfront.
MPW's demonstration Riparian Buffer Project will provide erosion control, a natural filter for non-point source pollution, and create an enhanced wildlife habitat. The goal of the project is to provide an educational platform that creates a desire and responsibility for restoring or creating riparian buffers in neighborhoods, along marshes, and adjacent waterways in Mount Pleasant.
Mount Pleasant Waterworks, the Town of Mount Pleasant Public Works Department and volunteer efforts from environmental scientists and citizens are primarily responsible for the site preparation and installation of the plant material.
Dr. Diane Lauritsen of the East Cooper Watershed Committee is directly responsible for the landscape design, procurement of all plant materials, site preparation coordination and actual planting.
The vegetative buffer has been designed to provide an attractive, functional and accessible marshfront setting that complements the activities found at Alhambra Hall.
The buffer material consists primarily of plants that remain below waist height, require minimal maintenance and are attractive throughout the year. In addition to numerous shrubs and trees, colorful seasonal displays of camphorweed, goldenrod, sea ox-eye, gaillardia, and beach evening primrose add to the natural, attractive setting. A sand pathway provides a passive walking area through the buffer, with interpretive signs identifying the various plants.
Funding for the project included $4,000 mini-grant from Mount Pleasant Waterworks and $4,000 matching funds from the Office of Coastal Resource Management. An additional
grant of $4,500 was secured from the Charleston Soil and Water Conservation District
for planting material and education.
Special trash receptacles were installed along the walkway, and small plastic bags provided at the receptacles to encourage pet owners to "pick up" their pet waste.
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--Introduction
--Mission Statement
--Business Plan
--Cost Recovery Policy
--Meetings
