Restoration of land and a slope area on Cornell University property along Cascadilla Creek in the Town of Ithaca will get under way in late June. Regrading of the 4-acre area will stabilize the soil and create a more appealing landscape, according to project manager Scott Whitham.

As part of the project, which is expected to continue into late August, a stormwater-control basin, including a wetland, will be developed with assistance from experts in Cornell's Department of Natural Resources. Development of the constructed wetland will be videotaped as a demonstration project for controlling stormwater run off into creeks and creating a wildlife habitat. An area adjacent to the wetland was used for refuse disposal until the early 1970s, when it was covered with soil, but the steep slope was never stabilized.

Located south of Cornell's library annex off Palm Road and Route 366, the site includes a section of the town's East Hill Recreation Way. A portion of the hiking and biking trail will be closed to the public at various times during the project: Information about disruptions and detours will be posted, Whitham said.

The project has received permits from the Town of Ithaca and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.