Restoration to the wetlands of Westchester’s Bronx River Parkway Reservation has begun in Greenburgh and North White Plains, the county announced.

The reservation is the oldest park in Westchester and restoration to about 2.5 acres of the area is expected to protect the environment.  Work in the Greenburgh and North White Plains area will continue through the winter and spring, with anticipated completion by early summer 2014.

Restoration will improve the wetland’s ability to cleanse and absorb stormwater runoff to enhance the attractiveness of the site, the county said. The project will also help reduce the amount of pollution from stormwater runoff to improve water quality and help manage flooding in the reservation, according to a statement from County Executive Rob Astorino.

Over time, due to development that has altered the flow of stormwater runoff into the wetland, the wetland has been physically separated from the river, which diminishes its role as a natural filter and sponge to treat and absorb stormwater, the county said.

During the restoration, the county plans to eradicate invasive reeds, shrubs and vines.  Crews will also plant thousands of native plants along the stream banks.

The project is being overseen by the county’s Department of Planning, and its design and construction is paid for with $950,000 in county capital funds, according county officials. The project was recommended in the 2007 Bronx River Watershed Management Plan developed by the county-led Bronx River Watershed Coalition, the county said.

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