Tidmarsh

Tidmarsh – A Study in the Restoration of Wetlands on Cranberry Farms

Glorianna Davenport, co-founder and president of Living Observatory, will lead us through the conservation and wetland restoration of cranberry farmland in Massachusetts with attention to lessons learned, why it matters, and what’s next. In construction, cranberry farm design includes manipulation of the natural hydrology to maximize production. These manipulations act as stressors and need to be reversed to “rewet” and “rewild” the former farmland. Using Tidmarsh Farms, the largest freshwater wetland restoration in New England, as a case study, the talk situates the decision to restore in the context of both the Massachusetts cranberry industry today, and coastal resilience in the face of climate change. Also highlighted will be the role of Living Observatory in developing a shared learning agenda and a knowledge network of practitioners, faculty and students to improve the practice and achieve best outcomes for the wetland restoration of former cranberry farmland.

Glorianna Davenport is co-Founder and President of Living Observatory, a collaborative learning community focused on experiencing, learning and sharing knowledge of ecological processes and the impacts of wetland restoration on retired cranberry farmland in Massachusetts. As a Trustee of Tidmarsh Farms, she acted as the owner’s representative for the 225-acre Tidmarsh Farms wetland restoration in 2015-2016.

Presentation Video