Stewardship of Local Area...

Stewardship of the natural resources for the harbor and surrounding habitats involves inventory, monitoring, and research of natural systems; habitat conservation, management, and restoration; interpretation and education; and partnerships. Accordingly, the Trust works to safeguard and enhance the ecological balance and integrity of the local area and its important ecological features. 

Inventory, Monitoring & Research
While we know a great deal about the complex natural systems of the landscapes and marine environment under our care, there is much that we do not know. Our decision-making process is augmented with both the best science available as well as inventory, monitoring, and research initiatives. Areas of focus include:

• Breeding birds
• Marine life
• Plant communities
• Herbs
• Salt marsh ecology
• Shorebird biology

The flora and fauna of Quissett Harbor and the surrounding area were identified during a series of site visits. A detailed listing of the flora was compiled. During this time, the area was divided into major vegetation zones and the dominant species within each zone was recorded. In the forested areas, both major canopy and understory species were identified. Results of the flora inventory are listed here. 

Habitat Conservation & Management
Geology, climate, natural forces, and human activity have converged to support a variety of ecological areas familiar to all of us, such as valuable coastal and wetland resources. The coastal beaches, coastal dunes, coastal banks and salt marshes play a crucial role in buffering inland property against destructive forces of coastal storms. They also provide critical protection for the waterways of Quissett Harbor. Many of these areas face a variety of threats. The Trust is working to combat these threats in a number of ways, including:

• Managing non-native plants and animals
• Managing coastal bank erosion caused by natural forces and human use
• Installing signage to encourage appropriate use of resource areas
• Establishing coastal bank vegetation guidelines
• Installing soft erosion control matting and vegetation
• Repairing and reconstructing revetments as needed
• Enhancing growth of coastal dunes
• Implementing beach nourishment projects
• Directing flow of traffic along causeway to Knob
• Updating trail guides and area maps

Education
We are all called to be stewards of the local diverse—and fragile—natural resources. While the work of the Trust and other organizations is vital, our visiting public must also share some of the responsibility of protecting these resources. The Trust actively organizes interpretive and educational programs and develops literature and signs. These activities increase public awareness and understanding of the challenges and opportunities which lie ahead and help to explain the roles that we all can play to bring about successful preservation outcomes over the long-term.

Partnerships
The success of our work in ecological resource protection often depends on strong collaborative partnerships with other conservation organizations, government agencies, researchers, and volunteers. The Trust also collaborates with several state-wide agencies and regional conservation organizations.