Ardsley Wildlife Sanctuary Phase 2 Project Funding Sought

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA —Abington Township Commissioners have approved a motion to seek funding through the Montgomery County 2040 Implementation Grant Program for the Ardsley Wildlife Sanctuary Phase 2 Project.

The total project cost is about $339,680 with the township requesting funding from the county for $151,645.00.

The 20 percent match will be funded through the DCNR C2P2 grant that was awarded in September 2020.

Commissioners approved the motion unanimously.

The proposed project implements land management recommendations detailed in the June 2008 "Ardsley Wildlife Sanctuary Land Management Plan," and advances stormwater management, forest stewardship, and walkability goals at the local and regional level.

The Phase 2 focus is to extend the ADA-accessible trail through a restored wetland area and on to a large pond and to remedy significant erosive stormwater runoff issues.

It will provide the visitor with an experience of enhanced meadow views, a wetland boardwalk, and a large pond habitat. The proposed terminus connects directly with miles of existing woodland trails that further connect the visitor with the remainder of this 80-acre property.

The proposed project will: extend the ADA-accessible path to the existing basin; address erosive

runoff with natural stormwater features (vegetated swales, a rain garden, and spillway),
remove and manage reemergence of invasive plant material, restore forest, riparian, and
meadow habitat with native plants and add two observation points (ADA elevated walkway
and rain garden observation slab) and interpretive signage.