Pine View Farm, a choose and cut Christmas tree farm, constructed a high quality emergent marsh under the Wetland   Reserve program administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Assistance with the design and   oversight of the project was provided by the Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District office. The purpose of   this project was to provide additional diversity on the farm and to provide habitat for waterfowl and wildlife.

  The project involved the excavation of approximately 1000 cubic yards of soil to depths ranting up to five feet. During   much of the year, water fills the excavation area with the majority of the area having water depths of two to three   feet. Cattails, sweet flag, arrowhead and other emergent vegetation were expected to grow within this marsh. The   marsh covers an area measuring approximately 110 feet by 150 feet and includes a small island containing two large   pin (scarlet) oaks. The excavation area consists of floodplain adjacent to Beaver Creek that contains mixed grasses   within the northern half of the excavation area and scattered pin oaks and grasses within the southern half. The work   area included a small ponded area that was excavated several years ago as a prototype for the larger marsh area. All   excavated material was graded on the north side of the excavation area within a small hay field. No wetlands or other   sensitive areas are located with in the area that was graded with excavated material. This area was seeded with   grasses and will continue to be mowed. Beaver Creek was not disturbed or modified in any way.

  The marsh adjoins fields that are used for growing and harvesting Christmas trees. On tree cutting dates, these fields   are visited by many customers from Orange County and other parts of the metropolitan area. It is hoped that the   marsh area will provide an aesthetically pleasing area and one that provides educational benefits. It is anticipated   that the marsh area will become part of the focus area for school groups and others who visit the farm. It is also   anticipated that a rustic type sign will be placed near the marsh that identifies the history of the marsh construction   and the benefits that wetlands provide.