This document provides an overview and status update of restoration projects along Four Mile Run in Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia. It discusses the history and milestones of restoration efforts since 2000, including the adoption of a master plan in 2006. Current projects include restoring tidal wetlands in Four Mile Run Park, creating living shorelines along the Arlington side, and plans to install 23 "watermarks" art pieces throughout the area by 2017. The wetlands restoration was largely completed in 2015 while the living shorelines project in Arlington is scheduled to begin construction in mid-2016. Upcoming areas of focus are also mentioned.

1. Four Mile Run
Restoration Project
Joint Task Force Meeting
March 10, 2016

2. Significant Milestones:
2000: City, Arlington & NRVC began to
explore the stream’s water quality and
recreation potentials; USACE partnered
with team to conduct a feasibility study on
a restoration plan.
2001: US Congressman Moran sought
allocation through EPA of $1M for
development of the Four Mile Run Master
Plan.
2006: The City and County adopt the
Master Plan.
2008: STAG grants appropriated for
demonstration project & design begins.
2009: The City and County adopt the
Design Guidelines.
10th Anniversary of the adoption
of the Four Mile Run Master Plan
2009: The City and County hold a
competition for design of a pedestrian/cyclist
bridge.
2011: Conservatory Building opens and
adjacent area renovated; Four Mile Run Park
Farmer’s and Artisans Market opens.
2012: Buro Happold begins bridge design.
2012: Design scope for the demonstration
project changes based on new USACE
requirements.
2015: Construction begins to restore
Alexandria’s wetlands.
2016: Alexandria wetlands project complete
& Arlington shoreline restoration begins.

3. Wetlands and Streambank
Project Overview
3
• Naturalize the banks along the corridor and improve access to the stream
through overlooks and terracing
• Replace rip-rap with vegetation and create Living Shorelines on Arlington
side
• Establish historical tidal wetland condition in Four Mile Run Park in
Alexandria

4. ∗ Wetland restoration
∗ Soil grading
∗ Invasive plant removal
∗ Native plantings
∗ New pervious surface trail
Wetland Project
4

5. Wetland Project
5
Yellow pond-lily
Nuphar advena
Arrow arum
Peltandra virginica
Annual wildrice
Zizania aquatica
Low Marsh Plantings

6. Wetland Project
6
Square stemmed
monkey flower
Mimulus ringens
Broadleaf arrowhead
Sagittaria latifolia
Softstem
Bulrush
Schoenoplectus
tabernaemontani
Halberd-left rose mallow
Hibiscus laevis
Southern blue flag
Iris virginica
High Marsh Plantings

7. ∗ Majority of Construction
completed in November
2015
∗ Additional work to be
done in spring:
− Parking lot renovation
− Trail drainage work
− Bridge from wetlands to
ball field
Status of Wetlands Project
7
Start of construction in May 2015

8. 8
Mid-construction in June 2015

9. 9
Mid-construction in August 2015
Mid-construction in October 2015

10. 10
End of construction in November 2015

11. Living Shorelines Project
11
∗ Remove rip rap
∗ Create living shoreline
∗ Remove invasive plants
∗ Replant with natives
∗ Add viewing platform
∗ Trail improvements

12. Site 2 Design Section
12

13. ∗ Living shoreline: Arrow Arum, pickerelweed, broadleaf
arrowhead, river bulrush, common three-square
Pickerelweed Arrow Arum Three-square
∗ Upland meadow: Eastern smooth beardtongue, common
milkweed, bee balm, grass leaved goldenrod, black eyed
susan
Site 2 Plantings
13
Bee balm Beardtongue Black eyed susan

14. ∗ Initial bid June, 2015 (only one bid received)
∗ Project plans had to be revised for improved site access
and will be re-bid, spring 2016
∗ Construction start estimated July-September 2016
∗ Bike trial on Arlington side will be closed for construction
(approximately 1 year)
∗ Detour on Alexandria trail
Schedule Site 2
14

15. 15

16. Watermarks
16
The symbolism of water and the
application of the color blue is
essential to the Watermark design.
All Watermarks will be cast-in-place
concrete integrated with a blue
pigment.
23 Watermarks are proposed, 17 in
Arlington and 6 in Alexandria
1 Watermark will be installed with the
construction of Plan B.

17. WPCP Fence Enhancement
17
Add image of
award

18. Pedestrian Bridge
18

19. ∗ Upcoming Alexandria park improvements
∗ Berkeley Site plan
∗ Dominion Power 230 Kv Line
∗ Potomac Yard North
∗ Four Mile Run Valley process - Shirlington/Nauck
town square/Jennie Dean Park Planning
Related Updates
19

20. Discussion on the next phase of the Four Mile Run
Restoration Project
Next Steps
20

21. Questions?