In recent years, a large erosion gully has formed in the Big Woods, not far from the Kendal campus. The erosion is primarily due to runoff from the Hamorton corn field (across from lots 9 and 10), owned by Longwood Gardens. Runoff from the lot 12 area is also contributing.
The problem has been discussed with Longwood Gardens, which arranged for hay bales to be placed along the downhill edge of the field, and that has reduced the erosion, but apparently has not solved the problem completely.
An engineering study determined that the best option was to install a pipeline from the edge of the Hamorton field down through the woods, ending in a settling pond at a point near the Fallen Tree Trail. I understand that the decision to go ahead with the project was made in 2025, and work will start within a few weeks.
Installing the pipeline will require a trench, created by heavy equipment. A work area, about 14 feet wide and a quarter of a mile long, will need to be cleared for the trenching equipment. Regrettably, this will require the cutting of many mature trees.
The only trail affected will be the Woods Trail, which the pipeline will cross. Much of the work will occur within the spray fields, inside the deer fence.
The Big Woods committee was informed of the project, and Roy announced it at the April and May KRA meetings, but I thought it would be useful to provide a bit more detail to residents.
On the Kendal Journey 