Urbanization in the northeast corner of the district has greatly altered Hickey Run. Only the lower portion of its main stem, which runs through the grounds of the arboretum, remains in a natural stream channel.

In a watershed and stream assessment in 2003 and 2004, SHARP found that the lower portion was entrenched, possessing poor habitat, and vertically and laterally unstable. SHARP is now developing conceptual design plans for restoring the part of the main stem still above ground.

SHARP is also developing restoration plans for three of the run's tributaries. Arboretum staff are assisting in the esthetic design of those improvements, which are scheduled for completion in the winter of 2005, and will be implemented in 2006.

For more information, contact biologist Conor Shea, Chesapeake Bay Field Office, at 410-573-4554.