Groundbreaking Wednesday for Four Mile Run Restoration

The public is invited to join former Congressman Jim Moran, the City of Alexandria and Arlington County to celebrate the beginning of construction on the Four Mile Run Restoration Project on Wednesday, May 20 at 5:30 p.m., the City announced today.

The groundbreaking will occur near the Four Mile Run Park soccer field, 4125 Mt. Vernon Ave. (parking available at soccer field). In the event of inclement weather, the groundbreaking will be held at The Conservatory Center at Four Mile Run Park, 4109 Mount Vernon Ave.

Work in the City of Alexandria has begun to restore the emergent tidal wetlands by removing, lowering, and terracing the riverside portion of Four Mile Run Park, the City points out. This will establish and restore the historic wetlands prior to the construction of the flood control channel using native low and high marsh wetland plants.

An upland trail will serve as a buffer between the emergent tidal wetland and the existing (remnant) forested wetland. Arlington’s portion of the restoration project will begin later this year. The work in the County will include removing the large stones (rip-rap) along the stream bank, terracing the banks, and replanting with native plants. It will also include creating an area in the stream for sediment to collect, where it can be easily removed instead of being washed further downstream. For more information, visit the Four Mile Run Restoration Project website.

Following remarks, the Project Manager will conduct construction site tours. Please wear appropriate footwear if you intend to take a tour.