In their undisturbed and natural state, the City’s wetlands provide many beneficial functions and resources, including floodplain management, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities.
Wetlands Preservation
Since 1978, the City has been working toward the preservation and restoration of the wetlands system to protect these functions and resources for future generations.
Natural Preserves
Throughout the City there are many mitigation and natural preserves, which serve this purpose. For example, Chapel Trail Nature Preserve was created because a percentage of all new land development in the City must be set aside for parks and mitigation areas. Chapel Trail Nature Preserve is the largest such park in the City, totaling 459 acres.
The main purpose of the park is to preserve and restore wildlife habitat, and maintain the diversity and integrity of this unique wetlands system.