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Take a Walk on the Boardwalk

Construction of a wetland boardwalk and viewing platform for the Arboretum Visitor’s Center wetland was completed in August 2004. This is phase one of a project that was partially funded by the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network Program of the National Park Service and the Waterfowl Festival. In 2007, signage was installed to tell about the plants and animals that inhabit the wetland, and the important role wetlands play in protecting the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

To reduce the environmental impact of the boardwalk construction, a unique support system was used called the “Helical Pier System,” which involved drilling steel rod supports into the ground instead of employing a pile driver. The boardwalk decking is sustainably harvested “ipe,” a native wood of Brazil. Ipe is one of the world’s most durable woods. It is so dense that some call it “concrete wood,” for it will sink in water. Ipe has a longer life than pressure-treated pine, and is not chemically treated.

The wetland boardwalk is a classroom for all ages to learn about wetlands.

A close look at the wetland	Wetland explorers show their catch!

To experience the wetland, take a walk on the boardwalk and discover painted turtles, frogs, dragonflies, cardinal flower, arrowhead, iris, and buttonbush.