Project Title: Runnel Restoration
Duration: May 1, 2025 – December 31, 2028
Funding Source: NFWF
Lead Investigator / onsite-contact: Hillary Sullivan
Affiliation: Friends of Herring River/Woodwell Climate Research Center
Contact: hsullivan@woodwellclimate.org
Project Description: Salt marshes are highly dynamic and variable systems providing many ecosystem services such as shoreline stabilization and nutrient filtration. However, because of their location within the tidal frame and proximity to human activity, they are vulnerable to a combination of anthropogenic and climatic disruptions. The objectives of this project are to understand the effects of altered hydrology via sea-level rise on the vulnerability of salt marsh productivity and N removal, and if restoration can enhance the resiliency to future changes. We will continue studying hydrologic restoration initiatives that began in 2023, and will implement new runnels to further restore hydrology in additional locations.
