The area known as Damde Meadows was once a coastal saltmarsh, one of the most productive ecosystems in the world. The saltmarsh was first dammed by European settlers in the 1600s in order to create a hay field. Since that time, people have continued to manipulate the wetland for agricultural purposes. The result was an impoverished ecosystem that supported little native wildlife.

The two culverts are designed to restore the tidal flow to Damde Meadows. On Feb 26—just five weeks after the project began—tidal water began to flow freely into the area for the first time in three centuries.

According to Regional Ecologist Andy Walsh, change will occur over a period of years, as native grasses begin to grow and crabs, horseshoe crabs, and shorebirds return. A five-year monitoring plan will allow The Trustees to track the return of native species and will provide data for future restoration projects.

"The project is an exceptional opportunity for visitors to learn about salt marshes, including the long history of human use and today's efforts to restore these highly valuable ecological systems," said Regional Ecologist Andy Walsh. "We hope that this project will inspire people to protect these vital coastal resources."

In addition to providing habitat for numerous wildlife and serving as nurseries for fish and shellfish, coastal marshes protect our shorelines from storm damage by storing water and absorbing tidal surges helps.

The project is being conducted in association with the Massachusetts Wetlands Restoration Program of the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, the Massachusetts Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership, and Coastal America.  Financial support for the project comes from public and private sector entities (ENSR International, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Curry College), as well as private donors and grant funding.  The Trustees will host fundraising events to raise additional money for the project.