Short Summary

Wetlands are incredibly diverse and important ecosystems, providing habitat for species, improving water quality, and protecting coasts from natural storms. However, because of various human activities, these valuable ecosystems are in decline across the world. As a graduate student at Yale University,  I have proposed to conduct a large-scale research effort to determine the best ways to restore these important and valuable habitats.

In New England, coastal wetlands are being substantially impacted by the loss of top predator species, such as striped bass and blue crabs. In their absence, a number of herbivorous prey species have been over-consuming marsh vegetation, leading to rapid die-offs.

This research will investigate the importance of restoring a viable predator population and the impacts that these interactions may have on wetland functioning and restoration. By selecting six tidal wetlands along the New England coast, I will establish enclosure cages in which combinations of different predator and prey species will be added. The hope is that by evaluating how changes in species composition effect ecosystem functioning, these results can then be used to help inform large-scale restoration projects.

With the results of this work, I will travel to the Society for Ecological Restoration World Conference in Manchester, UK and give a presentation conveying the best practices for restoring tidal wetlands and engaging with the local communities that depend on these natural resources. Sharing the findings of this type of research is essential for putting it to good use - the nature of this work requires that the science is not only done well, but disseminated to those who can use the information to make informed decisions about restoring natural ecosystems.

What We Need & What You Get

Here's the breakdown:

• $2000 for travel expenses (London, roundtrip) and accommodations.
• $500 for analyzing soil and vegetation samples in Yale laboratory facilities.

Tangible Perks!

• Postcards and souvenirs from London and Manchester, UK.
• Digital photographs of species found within New England salt marshes.

Intangible Perk:

• Your contribution will play a large role not only in influencing the restoration of natural ecosystems, but also in engaging with larger scientific and non-scientific communities about the importance of natural habitats and the services and benefits that they provide.
  

The Impact

From pollution to habitat loss, climate change to sea-level rise, natural habitats are being rapidly degraded and lost across the world. The research proposed here has the potential to substantially impact the ways in which ecological restoration projects are initiated, with a focus on giving back to the communities and engaging them with the work being done. Humans rely on natural ecosystems for a number of services and benefits, including improving water quality, food production, and protection. This proposed work will be one of many steps towards restoring natural ecosystems and the functions and services upon which humans rely.

Other Ways You Can Help