Last summer we took a look at a stream restoration project being undertaken by the Arbor Row development, owned by Cityline, as part of the rezoning approval. The restoration is located in a previously ignored stream valley in North Tysons between the MITRE campus and Kaiser Permanente. The overall concept for the stream restoration was to reconnect the natural elements, stop erosion that was caused from years of uncontrolled runoff, create a strong pedestrian connection between Jones Branch and Westpark, and connect the scenic park areas to the new recreational fields along Jones Branch.
It looks like the concept will be a success. What was weeds, dead underbrush, and trash that had been swept up in the storm sewer system is now a healthier looking stream bed with an asphalt trail. The park remains closed, not because of the trail itself, but to protect the stream restoration. The new spring growth will help it better establish a riparian zone, a buffer that naturally occurs along stream beds which helps filter out pollutants and nitrates prior to flowing into the waterway.
In the distance you can see a small footbridge which has been created over the newly restored stream and behind the thicket of trees is the soon to be opened recreational fields which look 99.99% done at this point. The park and recreational fields are going to be a great asset to the North Tysons community providing some bucolic respite away from the high rise cranes and towers going up all around.