WETLAND INVESTIGATION AND RESTORATION AT CAMEL’S HUMP FARM BETHLEHEM, PA

Northampton County, Pennsylvania is not known for its abundance of bogs and wetlands. In fact, there is only one known bog in Northampton County and until recently, it did not get much attention. This wetland sits partially on the property of Camel’s Hump Farm and partially on the adjacent neighbor’s property. With little information currently known about the characteristics of the land and an interest in wetland restoration in the area coupled with structural changes within the municipality, this wetland assessment and restoration project will portray a better understanding of wetlands as a whole and will allow for an opportunity to experience the various steps of wetland restoration. Through a hydrological assessment, a better idea of the water patterns and runoff can be obtained. With a firm understanding of the geology, characteristics of the wetland can be determined to allow for better restoration practices. A full wetland delineation will occur to categorize the wetland and set boundaries for the restoration process. Soil and water samples will be collected and tested in the lab for various elements that will both allow for better characterization of the wetland and to monitor any presence of water pollution that may have been introduced through the previous events of backfilling or runoff from the surrounding community. An analysis of the plant life will be made to better understand the type of vegetation that is present at the wetland and what species need to be removed or introduced to aid in the restoration process. Geophysical practices will be conducted to identify the presence of water underground and to highlight the potential of sinkholes on Camel’s Hump Farm. Overall, the entire process will result in a delineation of the wetland, a restoration plan for the wetland, the implementation of the restoration plan, and general knowledge of the land on which Camel’s Hump Farm sits.