Analysis of Ecological Impacts of a Stream Restoration on Riparian Vegetation in Baltimore County, Maryland

Abstract

Riparian forests play a vital role in supporting wildlife, managing runoff, and enhancing human well-being, yet they have been degraded by urban development and engineered stormwater systems. Stream restorations have emerged as nature-based solution to water management, but their effect on adjacent riparian ecosystems requires more research. This study evaluates the ecological impact of the Upper Jones Falls Stream Restoration in Baltimore County, Maryland, USA, using satellite and aerial imagery to assess vegetation health and land cover. Vegetation health during the period between 2015 and 2025 was assessed using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), derived from high-resolution multispectral PlanetScope satellite imagery. Results show that although mature forest canopy was substantially lost, vegetation steadily regenerated, with NDVI returning to baseline in less than 10 years. Land cover analysis confirmed some tree plantings closest to the water have been thriving in recent years and also revealed the persistence of exposed water and barren zones. These findings show that NDVI is a useful metric for monitoring vegetation recovery post-restoration, while emphasizing the importance of integrating land cover classification and direct observation. This study highlights the need for more nuanced evaluation of riparian restoration outcomes, including the use of evolving remote sensing technologies and modeling.