Restoring Climate-Resilient Atlantic White Cedar Wetland Forests in the Northeast: Lessons from Culture and Science
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By Climate Adaptation Science Centers
December 31, 2023
Much of the cranberry bog farmland in Massachusetts used to be Atlantic white cedar ecosystems, which provide important habitat, water filtration, and cooling effects on the landscape. Researchers supported by this Northeast CASC project will experiment with modern restoration strategies and integrate Indigenous cultural stewardship practices to build and sustain climate-resilient Atlantic white cedar wetland forests. The project will result in new knowledge and practical guidance for effective restoration and sustainable management of these ecosystems as retired cranberry bogs continue to be converted back into their original state.
Atlantic white cedar (AWC) ecosystems naturally filter and store water, cool the surrounding landscape, and serve as refugia for wetland and forest species, especially during the hot and dry periods that are occurring more frequently because of climate change. Recognizing the importance of AWC wetlands, swamps, and forests, the state of Massachusetts invested in a cranberry bog restoration program to convert thousands of acres of retired cranberry farmland back to their original AWC state. Though partners such as Living Observatory (LO) have detailed lessons-learned from this restoration work, more information is needed to ensure that the efforts remain resilient in the face of climate change.
Researchers supported by this project will integrate traditional Indigenous forest stewardship and historical geologic land use (including past fire patterns and pollen distribution) with modern strategies to develop climate-resilient forests. The researchers will explore strategies to help speed up seedling adaptation to changing conditions, such as using seeds sourced from southern forests, planting younger trees, and adding soil amendments. They will also document the optimal conditions for healthy stands and seedling germination and create test beds to improve the survivability and lower the cost of plantings at restored project sites. Additionally, the team will support the design of cultural respect easements so the Nipmuc and other local tribes, who have stewarded AWC forests for thousands of years, can access protected AWC lands.
This project will result in a knowledge base for resilient stewardship and restoration of AWC ecosystems that highlights the achievements of Indigenous stewardship. It will also provide actionable guidance for Massachusetts state agencies, restoration consultants, and conservation groups to restore and manage threatened northeastern Atlantic white cedar wetland forests as the climate changes.
Atlantic white cedar (AWC) ecosystems naturally filter and store water, cool the surrounding landscape, and serve as refugia for wetland and forest species, especially during the hot and dry periods that are occurring more frequently because of climate change. Recognizing the importance of AWC wetlands, swamps, and forests, the state of Massachusetts invested in a cranberry bog restoration program to convert thousands of acres of retired cranberry farmland back to their original AWC state. Though partners such as Living Observatory (LO) have detailed lessons-learned from this restoration work, more information is needed to ensure that the efforts remain resilient in the face of climate change.
Researchers supported by this project will integrate traditional Indigenous forest stewardship and historical geologic land use (including past fire patterns and pollen distribution) with modern strategies to develop climate-resilient forests. The researchers will explore strategies to help speed up seedling adaptation to changing conditions, such as using seeds sourced from southern forests, planting younger trees, and adding soil amendments. They will also document the optimal conditions for healthy stands and seedling germination and create test beds to improve the survivability and lower the cost of plantings at restored project sites. Additionally, the team will support the design of cultural respect easements so the Nipmuc and other local tribes, who have stewarded AWC forests for thousands of years, can access protected AWC lands.
This project will result in a knowledge base for resilient stewardship and restoration of AWC ecosystems that highlights the achievements of Indigenous stewardship. It will also provide actionable guidance for Massachusetts state agencies, restoration consultants, and conservation groups to restore and manage threatened northeastern Atlantic white cedar wetland forests as the climate changes.
- Source: USGS Sciencebase (id: 6616f0c7d34e7eb9eb7d6e8c)
Much of the cranberry bog farmland in Massachusetts used to be Atlantic white cedar ecosystems, which provide important habitat, water filtration, and cooling effects on the landscape. Researchers supported by this Northeast CASC project will experiment with modern restoration strategies and integrate Indigenous cultural stewardship practices to build and sustain climate-resilient Atlantic white cedar wetland forests. The project will result in new knowledge and practical guidance for effective restoration and sustainable management of these ecosystems as retired cranberry bogs continue to be converted back into their original state.
Atlantic white cedar (AWC) ecosystems naturally filter and store water, cool the surrounding landscape, and serve as refugia for wetland and forest species, especially during the hot and dry periods that are occurring more frequently because of climate change. Recognizing the importance of AWC wetlands, swamps, and forests, the state of Massachusetts invested in a cranberry bog restoration program to convert thousands of acres of retired cranberry farmland back to their original AWC state. Though partners such as Living Observatory (LO) have detailed lessons-learned from this restoration work, more information is needed to ensure that the efforts remain resilient in the face of climate change.
Researchers supported by this project will integrate traditional Indigenous forest stewardship and historical geologic land use (including past fire patterns and pollen distribution) with modern strategies to develop climate-resilient forests. The researchers will explore strategies to help speed up seedling adaptation to changing conditions, such as using seeds sourced from southern forests, planting younger trees, and adding soil amendments. They will also document the optimal conditions for healthy stands and seedling germination and create test beds to improve the survivability and lower the cost of plantings at restored project sites. Additionally, the team will support the design of cultural respect easements so the Nipmuc and other local tribes, who have stewarded AWC forests for thousands of years, can access protected AWC lands.
This project will result in a knowledge base for resilient stewardship and restoration of AWC ecosystems that highlights the achievements of Indigenous stewardship. It will also provide actionable guidance for Massachusetts state agencies, restoration consultants, and conservation groups to restore and manage threatened northeastern Atlantic white cedar wetland forests as the climate changes.
Atlantic white cedar (AWC) ecosystems naturally filter and store water, cool the surrounding landscape, and serve as refugia for wetland and forest species, especially during the hot and dry periods that are occurring more frequently because of climate change. Recognizing the importance of AWC wetlands, swamps, and forests, the state of Massachusetts invested in a cranberry bog restoration program to convert thousands of acres of retired cranberry farmland back to their original AWC state. Though partners such as Living Observatory (LO) have detailed lessons-learned from this restoration work, more information is needed to ensure that the efforts remain resilient in the face of climate change.
Researchers supported by this project will integrate traditional Indigenous forest stewardship and historical geologic land use (including past fire patterns and pollen distribution) with modern strategies to develop climate-resilient forests. The researchers will explore strategies to help speed up seedling adaptation to changing conditions, such as using seeds sourced from southern forests, planting younger trees, and adding soil amendments. They will also document the optimal conditions for healthy stands and seedling germination and create test beds to improve the survivability and lower the cost of plantings at restored project sites. Additionally, the team will support the design of cultural respect easements so the Nipmuc and other local tribes, who have stewarded AWC forests for thousands of years, can access protected AWC lands.
This project will result in a knowledge base for resilient stewardship and restoration of AWC ecosystems that highlights the achievements of Indigenous stewardship. It will also provide actionable guidance for Massachusetts state agencies, restoration consultants, and conservation groups to restore and manage threatened northeastern Atlantic white cedar wetland forests as the climate changes.
- Source: USGS Sciencebase (id: 6616f0c7d34e7eb9eb7d6e8c)