Throwe Kicks Off Project to Enhance Marsh Resilience on Maryland’s Eastern Shore
July 22, 2022
Marshes are often called the kidneys of Earth. But they do much more than filter the planet’s plasma (water). They sequester and store carbon, as well as provide habitat and spawning grounds for native and migratory species. Tidal marshes, such as those on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland, provide protection from shoreline erosion, flooding, and storm surges.
In a changing climate, the coastal protection potential of marshes has become increasingly valuable. However, marshes are disappearing at an alarming rate. From 1938 to 2006, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge on Maryland’s Eastern Shore lost 5,000 acres to open water and only 3,000 acres of marsh migrated inland. As the Lower Eastern Shore addresses its socioeconomic and climate vulnerabilities, there are unique opportunities to strengthen the resilience within the region.
Throwe Environmental is joining the Resilient Protection Frameworks (RPF) project (led by The Nature Conservancy) to support the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland in becoming a model for resilient marsh ecosystems across the East Coast. At the intersection of migrating marshes and landowner resilience, the RPF initiative aims to protect cultural and financial interests within Maryland communities, while also ensuring a healthy inland migration of tidal marshes.
Through the next year — and together with Eastern Shore communities and topic experts — Throwe will host panel discussions and workgroup meetings to inform the development of an action plan to incentivize marsh protection, management, and restoration. In collaboration with various community stakeholders, we aim to support the resilience of people and marshes by exploring options to invest in economic, cultural, and social resources. RPF will protect vulnerable marshes, while allowing them to sustain their integral role in supporting our ecosystems and communities.
For more information, visit the Resilient Protection Frameworks project page or contact us at info@throwe-environmental.com.