Sunken Meadow Marsh Restoration

Q: Why does the marsh at Sunken Meadow State Park need to be restored? 
A: The marsh is showing signs of degradation, including large areas of bare mud that were formerly salt marsh and the takeover by the invasive common reed, Phragmites australis along the marsh interior. In addition, a key habitat type called ‘high marsh’ is largely missing from the site. This high marsh habitat is generally found at higher elevations (around the mean higher high water mark) and provides critical nesting habitat for marsh birds like the Clapper Rail and Saltmarsh Sparrow. 

The project addresses the lingering impacts of 60+ years of severely restricted tidal flow in the creek that was alleviated by a dam failure during Hurricane Sandy in 2012. While improved tidal flow has helped the ecosystem recover, there are significant improvements we can help make to bring it back to full health. 

Q: Why are you focused on helping the Saltmarsh Sparrow?  
A: The Saltmarsh Sparrow is one of New York's Species of Greatest Conservation Need and is currently being evaluated for federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. Some studies project that the species could be extinct by 2050 without significant efforts to restore and protect its habitat. The Saltmarsh Sparrow is often considered a "canary in the coalmine" because its survival depends on healthy salt marshes with the right mix of elevations and vegetation. Protecting habitat for this species also helps support the many other plants and animals that depend on healthy marsh ecosystems. 

Q: When will the construction begin?
A: We are currently targeting implementation of Phase 1 between December 2027 and March 2028. This schedule is dependent on obtaining the necessary permits and approvals. 

Q: How will the project impact park visitors and property-owners along the park boundary?  
A: The project is not expected to have any adverse impacts on private properties, nor is it expected to impact access for park visitors. During construction, residents may occasionally see or hear equipment operating within the marsh, primarily during winter work periods. Over the long term, restored marshes are expected to improve coastal resiliency by absorbing storm energy and reducing wave action during coastal storms. Restoration is also expected to enhance the natural appearance of the marsh by promoting healthy vegetation and improving the overall coastal landscape.

Q: Will there be volunteer or citizen science opportunities?
A: Yes, volunteer work will be a critical component of the project once the initial construction is completed. We anticipate opportunities for volunteers to assist with planting native saltmarsh grasses and shrubs. You can find out about volunteer opportunities by signing up for project updates here.

Park visitors can also assist with monitoring by taking photos at our Chronolog photo station found by the kiosk along Naples Ave, near Field 2 (40.910097, -73.261583). The photos are uploaded to a website that helps us to track changes in the marsh over time as the project progresses. 

Q: Are there opportunities for local students to visit the marsh or learn more?
A: The project has provided educational opportunities for high school students in Title 1 school districts to learn about salt marshes, attend field trips to Long Island marshes, and participate in our Salt Marsh Stewards program. The students participated in community science by experimenting with techniques to grow salt marsh grasses in their classrooms.