Category Archives: Blog Assignments

The Times They Are a Changing

Blog Assignments, Marsh Restoration, , , , , ,

It is without a doubt that mankind is the dominating species on planet Earth.  Over the past few thousand years humans have continued to cultivate a desire that has been a part of man since the dawn of time – a yearning to control and rule over the natural environment.  Man’s ability to adapt and create new things from his environment has been evidenced as early as the creation of fire.  It is in our nature to use our surroundings to better our own situation.  In light of this, it should be no surprise that in the course of man’s self-centered quest for the continuous betterment of his condition there have been more than a few instances of collateral damage.  In our haste to implement what we view as improvements, we often find that we should have looked before we leapt.  One such example is the case of New York City’s salt marshes.

We are living in an age where our grasp is catching up to our reach.  Our technological and scientific breakthroughs are accompanied by equal developments in public philosophy and social culpability as the global network continues to fortify and expand.  I think that this increased connectivity, which we are lucky enough to have at our disposal, has imparted upon us a wider sense of responsibility for the harm we may cause and a feeling that we need to be aware of the consequences to our actions.  The restoration effort that has gained traction in the past decade is a wonderful step in the right direction.  Yet even here we are plagued by the nagging doubt that we might not know best.  In the reading, there was quite a controversy over which plants to have reintroduced to salt marshes undergoing restoration.  While we do not know now if there will be a lasting effect if phragmites is introduced in lieu of the native spartina, it is definitely a step in the right direction.  As Bill Sheehan said, “Phragmites, it’s green most of the time, and it ain’t condos.”  Certainly, as a civilization that praises the pursuit of perfection we can hold ourselves to a higher standard than that for restoration efforts.

Let It Be

Blog Assignments, Marsh Restoration

Allowing salt marshes to grow with non-native plants may be preferable. Trying to reverse the problem of non-native plants inhabiting salt marshes by removing non-native plants might be the same issue as introducing the non-native plants in the first place. Once the immigrant plants are already in the salt marsh, it is unnecessary to create more issues by removing the plants. If it is impossible to restore the marsh with native plants without removing the non-native plants, than the non-native plants may be removed.

For example, Hurricane Sandy hit Jamaica Bay Wildlife very hard. One of the water areas that was previously comprised of manmade freshwater is now merged with the salty waters of the bay. There is a discussion at the refuge about whether or not to restore that water. When I was there, I wasn’t sure about what the best solution would be – either replacing the freshwater or keeping it mixed with seawater. However, I think the seawater from Sandy should remain. There is reason argue for the replacement of the freshwater for the sake of the birds that stop by the Jamaica refuge. Yet, I think it is still preferable to leave the area alone and let nature run its course. The birds can find other freshwater areas around Queens to visit.

Additionally, perhaps the non-native plants can adapt, evolve, and eventually metamorphose to the point in which they are looked at as semi native salt marsh plants. Who is to say whether or not these plants will still be looked at as non-native in hundreds or thousands of years. This concept is similar to new immigrants arriving to the United States and being unwelcomed. However, many years later those previously non-native people are welcomed with open arms. This occurred with Southern Italians and Jews in the last century.

Salt marshes are mixed with non-native plants and perhaps that is our own faults. Regardless, leave the salt marshes alone. Let nature do its job. Examples from Hurricane Sandy and history point to letting non-native plants or people create their own niche even in areas that may not have been previously their own.

Marsh Restoration & Management Response

Blog Assignments, Marsh Restoration

By class time on Tuesday, Nov. 26, post a 3 -4 paragraph response to the following sentiment:
“Phragmites, it’s green most of the time, and it ain’t condos” (Bill Sheehan, Hackensack Riverkeeper, NY Times, 2005).
Consider the idea of whether it’s okay or even preferable to let recolonization of non-native plants remain rather than attempt a restoration of marsh with native plants.

What happened to the salt marshes?

Blog Assignments

Post a  3-4 paragraph response, reflecting on the historic destruction of salt marshes  from the time of the colonists onward.

Consider whether this was an issue of “innocent destruction” – at a time when science had not yet caught up with technology, or whether it represents a more basic problem with values, leading to thoughtless actions, and lack of concern for environmental consequences.

This essay should post by class time on Tuesday, Oct. 29!