Description: The Trails End Mitigation Bank demonstrates how public–private partnerships addressed complex urban stream and wetland restoration challenges in Polk County, Iowa. The project restores nearly two miles of stream and 240 acres of habitat through collaborative planning, technical design, and phased construction.

Author: Michael Heller

Author Bio: Michael Heller is a Lead Environmental Scientist at Foth Infrastructure and Environment, LLC, and is based out of the firm’s Des Moines, Iowa office. With over 30 years of experience working with natural resources in the Midwest, he specializes as a stream and wetland ecologist. As a project manager, Michael has delivered numerous projects focused on wetland and stream mitigation, restoration, and mitigation banking. His expertise also includes permitting, green infrastructure, low-impact development, public education and outreach programs, and construction inspection.