Foster Slough - Hemi Marshes

Thirty-two acres of uplands and impacted wetlands were converted to hemi-marsh habitat in Teton Valley Idaho. The primary goal of the design was to establish critical habitat for waterfowl and shorebird nesting and rearing, with target species including the long-billed curlew and sandhill cranes. The design also integrated considerations for groundwater recharge. The hemi-marsh features were designed to be fed by surface water, with grading carefully planned to allow water to accumulate and gradually seep into the aquifer, helping to maintain late-season river flows.  Wildlife utilization of the newly created habitat was immediate and significant. Within the first season, we observed nesting waterfowl as well as sightings of sandhill cranes, long-billed curlews, American avocets, Wilson’s phalaropes, and a variety of other waterfowl species. This rapid wildlife use underscores the success of the habitat in meeting its ecological objectives.