Large-scale Wetland Restoration | Ecological Restoration Master Planning

Tidmarsh Farms, a 577-acre private farm situated in historic Plymouth, Massachusetts, combines a large wetland restoration and conservation project with an operating cranberry bog and a stewardship and technology program. In early 2010, the Massachusetts DER and property landowners contacted Inter-Fluve Inc. to discuss large-scale wetland restoration of the 250-acre cranberry bog. The goal of the USDA Wetlands Reserve Program project was to restore the retired farm to a minerotrophic fen ecosystem and wetland preserve and enable free passage of water and wildlife from the headwaters of Beaver Dam Brook to the sea.

Lauren developed illustrative conceptual design plans as a member of the Inter-Fluve Inc. design staff. The plan was informed by input provided in early planning workshops with local and expert stakeholders, including NRCS, NOAA, and the Mass. DER.  The project scope included dam removal, stream channel design, fish passage, and the ecological restoration of emergent marsh, wet meadow, and forested wetlands—such as the rare Atlantic White Cedar swamp. Lauren also assisted in recreational trails and viewshed planning and developing transitional plant palettes.

The illustrative master plan drawings helped a variety of stakeholders, from technical experts to lay audiences, imagine the future of the restored land, waters, and restoration solutions. The final preferred alternative was incorporated into construction documents and the built restoration project.