Resources for

native

Report

Level of Effort:

Building a Resilient Trail

This report provides on guidance on ways to adapt the Shoreline Greenway Trail to the increasing frequencies of heavy rain, wildfires, hurricanes, flood events, and storm surges. The report defines what we mean by resilience for a trail in coastal Connecticut, identifies climate impacts facing the trail now, and in the years to come, shares design suggestions that could build resiliency on existing and new sections, and explores how the trail itself can be essential to wider community resiliency.

Connecticut State
Erosion
Nature-based Solutions
Infrastructure
Recreation & Access
Green Infrastructure

Case Study

Project

Rye, NY

Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary Living Shoreline

Shoreline erosion problems had been noted at Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary in Rye, NY in the early 2000s, and after the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and subsequent storms, it was clear there was a need for restoration. Westchester County decided to create a 900 foot living shoreline in order to restore the shoreline, reduce erosion, and support aquatic life in Long Island Sound. The project, designed by SLR, used two types of structures – boulder sills and reef balls – to slow wave action and provide aquatic habitat. A total of 43 reef balls were installed along with 40 types of native grasses, shrubs, and trees to further stabilize the shoreline. Additional native ecotype-specific plantings will be added periodically throughout the next five years of monitoring (2025-2030).

 

New York State
Habitat
Community Engagement
Wetlands

Resource

Level of Effort:

How vegetated buffers protect water quality, and a whole lot more

Use this fact sheet to learn about riparian buffers and how they can be a tool for filtering excess nutrients and sediment from runoff, reducing flood impacts, and providing habitat. Learn more about buffers using this fact sheet. Details include what buffers are, why they are important, best practice recommendations, and design considerations.

New York State
Connecticut State
Erosion
Habitat
Land Use
Nature-based Solutions
Stormwater Management
Water Quality
Wetlands
Green Infrastructure

Case Study

Project

Mamaroneck, NY

Coastal Forest Restoration at Otter Creek Preserve

Otter Creek Preserve is located along a three-mile stretch of coastline on Long Island Sound in Mamaroneck, NY. It contains 90% of the remaining productive salt marshes in Westchester County, and is an important site for migratory birds, marine life, and other wildlife. The 35-acre preserve is the largest privately-owned tidal wetland designated and protected as a nature sanctuary in Westchester County.

Following improvements made to the coastal forest and tidal marsh in 2015 and 2016 with support from the Westchester Community Foundation, in 2017 Westchester Land Trust (WLT) received NFWF LISFF funding to continue removing non-native trees, shrubs, and vines, replant with native species, and conduct expanded outreach and educational programming at the preserve.

New York State
Habitat
Community Engagement
Wetlands

Resilience Steps

Connect

LISP
EPA Sea Grant New York Sea Grant Connecticut