Creating a natural landscape retreat in a retirement community

Landis Homes, a retirement community in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania has the unique opportunity of having a stream run through its property. However, Kurtz Run, a tributary of the Conestoga River (which flows into the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay), was showing signs of degradation. As an organization that prides itself on environmental stewardship, Landis Homes wanted to increase the biodiversity of the stream and provide a relaxing environment for its residents. The engineering firm LandStudies, Inc. undertook a stream and floodplain restoration project, which aimed to reduce stormwater runoff and better manage flooding on the property.

Completed in 2013, the award-winning project resulted in 2,600 linear feet of restored stream, eight acres of land brought back to its natural state and seven newly created acres of wetlands. LandStudies, Inc. began the project by removing approximately 27,500 cubic yards of sediment from the floodplain, which immediately helped control flooding around the site. Approximately 25,000 native plants and 700 new trees and shrubs were added to the landscape, stabilizing the stream bank. With reduced erosion from the new plantings and the newly constructed wetlands, runoff has become better absorbed and filtered, resulting in a reduction of 75 tons of sediment, 800 pounds of nitrogen and 130 pounds of phosphorus entering the waterway each year. The restored floodplain now flourishes with vibrant native vegetation, becoming a haven for wildlife and enriching the lives of residents.

Beyond the environmental gains, the project resulted in significant economic benefits for Landis Homes. When the legacy sediment was removed from the floodplain, it dramatically increased the property’s capacity for storing floodwater. This increased capacity allowed Landis Homes to remove two stormwater basins, freeing up valuable land for development. The recovered land was then used to build 11 new residential units worth an estimated $3 million in value.

Landis Homes' commitment to sustainability extends beyond this stream restoration project. Several of their buildings have achieved LEED Gold certification by using materials that conserve natural resources, increase energy efficiency and improve indoor air quality. The residents have also gotten involved, forming the group The Friends of the Woods and Wetlands. These volunteers maintain a patch of woods on the property by removing invasive plants, building birdhouses and nesting boxes for native bees, and planting butterfly gardens. 

Interested in seeing how other communities, businesses and individuals are contributing to the environment while improving their region’s quality of life and economy? Check out the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Beyond Environmental Benefits Database and Search Tool to find examples of case studies in your area.