At the Summerly community in Lake Elsinore, environmental responsibility was embedded into the project’s planning and execution. Developed by Van Daele Communities, Summerly incorporates conservation-focused infrastructure designed to protect natural resources while supporting long-term community development.
A central component of this effort was a large-scale environmental mitigation project, delivered by Landscape Development, Inc., to offset development impacts through wetland restoration and improved stormwater management. The project utilizes bio-basins—engineered, vegetated systems that function as natural filtration zones for surface water and urban runoff.
These bio-basins slow water flow, allow sediments and pollutants to settle, and use dense native vegetation to process excess nutrients before water recharges groundwater or enters nearby waterways, including Lake Elsinore. The result is improved water quality, enhanced habitat value, and increased ecological resilience across the site.
Landscape Development’s Role as Mitigation Partner
Landscape Development, Inc.’s Inland Empire Construction team was responsible for executing the mitigation scope of work, ensuring the restored wetland areas met both regulatory and environmental performance standards.
Our work included:
Installation of native plant materials selected specifically for wetland function and long-term ecological health
Placement of bio-fabric to stabilize soils and support successful plant establishment
Installation of irrigation systems designed to aid establishment while aligning with sustainable, water-efficient operation
This mitigation work was critical to restoring wetland functionality at scale—supporting biodiversity, improving stormwater outcomes, and reinforcing the integrity of the surrounding natural environment.
Supporting Conservation Communities Through Mitigation Expertise
Summerly reflects a broader shift away from conventional development models toward a conservation-first approach, where sensitive land is identified, protected, and restored before residential areas are developed. Environmental mitigation plays a vital role in making this balance possible.
Landscape Development, Inc. brings proven experience in complex mitigation, restoration, and bio-basin installation projects throughout Southern California. From regulatory compliance to on-the-ground execution, our teams deliver environmentally responsible solutions that perform over time—providing peace of mind to developers, agencies, and communities alike.
