Escambia County Completes Jones Swamp Floodplain Restoration

Escambia County has completed the Jones Swamp Floodplain Restoration Project, restoring 10-plus acres of historic wetlands and wildlife habitat, along with planting over 16,000 trees and plants.

The project included excavating approximately 50,000 cubic yards of dirt and fill material, with a goal of restoring the area back to its natural wetland state. Loafing logs and brush piles were installed to help provide wildlife habitats, along with treating exotic and nuisance species to promote native plant growth.

"We are continuing to work hard to protect and improve our local waterways, and projects like this are incredibly important in supporting our ongoing efforts," District 2 Commissioner and Chairman Mike Kohler said. "Escambia County is filled with natural resources that contribute significantly to our quality of life, including beautiful wetlands like Jones Swamp. I'm very excited to complete this significant project to support water quality and habitat restoration and ensure we are continuing to be good stewards of the natural resources we are so fortunate to enjoy here in Escambia County."

Previously a wetland area, the Jones Creek floodplain was cleared and filled by the U.S. Navy in the 1950s as a safety feature, providing a clearway beyond the southern end of the Navy's airfield runway. In addition to clearing 50,000 cubic yards of dirt and fill material associated with the former clearway, the restoration project included a geotechnical survey to evaluate fill material for potential contamination prior to removal. The survey did not find any contamination in the fill material.

The Jones Swamp Floodplain Restoration Project was funded through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund, with a final budget of approximately $1.47 million.

This project was managed by the Escambia County Natural Resources Management Department. The contractor for the project was Streamline Environmental, LLC, with Engineering and CEI completed by Mott MacDonald. For more information about active projects throughout Escambia County, visit MyEscambia.com/projects.

Jones Swamp during construction