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Case Study

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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).

 

Image of the Edith Read living shoreline showing native intertidal grasses growing with boulder sills in the background. Photo by Suzette Lopane.
Native intertidal grasses growing during late Summer 2025. Photo: Suzette Lopane
Photo of the Edith Read living shoreline reef balls completely visible during low tide. Credit: Sara Powell.
Reef balls visible during low tide (Fall 2024). Photo: Sara Powell
Photo with two people in the foreground showing how during mid-tide, the reef balls are mostly submerged, but the boulder sills are still visible in the background. Photo taken in Winter 2024 by Sara Powell.
During mid-tide, the reef balls are mostly submerged, but the boulder sills are still visible (Winter 2024). Photo: Sara Powell
Picture of more than 50 participants learning about the design and construction of the living shoreline during a December 2024 field trip to the project site. Photo credit: Sara Powell.
During a December 2024 field trip, more than 50 participants learned about the design and construction of the living shoreline. Photo: Sara Powell
Impact Information:
This is the only Long Island Sound living shoreline project in Westchester County and it serves as a model for other communities - in Westchester, Long Island Sound, and beyond.
Period of Completion: Design & Construction: 2021-2025
Total Cost: $4 Million
Funding Sources: Westchester County
Permits Needed: NYSDEC Tidal Wetlands, Coastal Erosion Management, Water Quality Certification, Excavation & Fill in Navigable Waters and Stormwater Discharges from Construction, NYS Department of State Consistency Certification, NYS Easement for Submerged Land, USACE Nationwide General Permit Living Shorelines
Contact Info:

Suzette Lopane, PLA, ASLA, sbl1@westchestergov.com

Matthew Castro, mvc1@westchestercountyny.gov

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This product has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under Assistance Agreement LI-96244521 to New York Sea Grant, Cornell University and assistance agreements LI-00A00578 and LI-00A01412 to Connecticut Sea Grant, University of Connecticut. The contents of this website do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, nor does the U.S. EPA endorses trade names or recommends the use of any products, services or enterprises mentioned on this website.

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