The Sachem North AP Environmental Science class recently collaborated with NY Sea Grant, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (NYSOPRHP) and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) on a habitat restoration project at Sunken Meadow State Park.
Sunken Meadow Creek, located within Sunken Meadow State Park in King’s Park, N.Y., was a free flowing tidal tributary to the Nissequogue River, before it was impounded by a dike in the 1950s, with two culverts restricting flow. To restore tidal flow, the agencies plan to remove the restrictive culverts and allow for natural ecosystem restoration to 132 acres of former estuarine habitat.
Increased tidal flow will reduce the amount of Phragmites australis (common reed) and allow the area to return to a native tidal salt marsh community. Habitat restoration will allow improved fish access to spawning areas, provide important nursery habitat for estuarine-dependent species and will increase diversity of other species dependent on salt marshes. This project will enhance ecosystem suitability, species diversity, recreational opportunities, and environmental education opportunities.
“A long-term habitat-monitoring program is necessary to document changes in Sunken Meadow Creek as a result of tidal flow restoration,” said Sachem North teacher Monica Marlowe. ” Baseline (pre-monitoring) data and a minimum of five years of post-construction monitoring data are required for this project. Sachem North students partnered with these state agencies to aid in data collection and to monitor changes in the system before, during, and after tidal flow is restored to the creek. This is a great opportunity for students to experience authentic field work and make contacts with environmental science professionals.”
RELATED: PHOTOS: See more images from the habitat restoration