Stewardship

Stewardship refers to the responsible management of upland and coastal resources using the best available science to maintain and restore healthy, productive, and resilient ecosystems. In addition to on-site land management efforts, the stewardship program also works with partners at the state, regional and national level to promote better stewardship of coastal habitats.

There are three primary focus areas for on-the-ground stewardship efforts on the Reserve Properties. Although these habitats are relatively uncommon in the state they support a greater number of species that are rare, threatened, or declining in numbers

Vary in type from those dominated by warm-season grasses (e.g. switchgrass, little blue stem) to meadows with shrubs and wildflowers (e.g. blueberry, milkweed) to savannahs, which may include a few mature trees. Nationally and regionally, grasslands and the species they support are declining.

Form along the coastline over thousands of years. The habitat includes several distinct plant communities which develop based on very small changes in elevation. Areas at slightly higher elevations- even 1-2 centimeters- are flooded by the tides more frequently. Many bird species depend on healthy salt marsh ecosystems as nesting or feeding sites.

Are locally and regionally rare habitats consisting of a mosaic of grassland, shrubland, pitch pine forest, and oak-pine forest. This habitat supports a variety of rare species (e.g. yellow-breasted chat and various tiger beetles, moths, and butterflies).

Periodic cutting of grasslands and shrublands minimizes some invasive plants and limits the growth of trees, which would shade out the grasses and shrubs. Without some treatment, such as cutting, most meadows would develop into forests over time and the unique grassland and shrubland habitat on which many species depend would be lost.
Periodic cutting of grasslands and shrublands minimizes some invasive plants and limits the growth of trees, which would shade out the grasses and shrubs. Without some treatment, such as cutting, most meadows would develop into forests over time and the unique grassland and shrubland habitat on which many species depend would be lost.
In many instances, the best way to maintain healthy habitat is to ‘get out of the way’! As sea level rises, salt marsh plants are beginning to grow at higher elevations. We are monitoring coastal water levels and documenting changes in plant communities in the expectation that the new area of salt marsh may provide suitable habitat for marsh-dependent species in the coming decades. We are also adapting to the changing environment by closing flooded roads and creating new access to the coastline where needed.
In many instances, the best way to maintain healthy habitat is to ‘get out of the way’! As sea level rises, salt marsh plants are beginning to grow at higher elevations. We are monitoring coastal water levels and documenting changes in plant communities in the expectation that the new area of salt marsh may provide suitable habitat for marsh-dependent species in the coming decades. We are also adapting to the changing environment by closing flooded roads and creating new access to the coastline where needed.
Many ecosystems, including pine barrens and grasslands, thrive in an environment that burns occasionally. Prescribed burns are applied as one tool to help reduce the build-up of branch and leaf litter, limit invasive species, and support the regeneration of some plants.
Many ecosystems, including pine barrens and grasslands, thrive in an environment that burns occasionally. Prescribed burns are applied as one tool to help reduce the build-up of branch and leaf litter, limit invasive species, and support the regeneration of some plants.
Volunteer students and Prudence Island residents help to remove invasive species, such as autumn olive, tree of heaven, and European larch. Native plants are often outcompeted by aggressive, introduced species which will change the habitat over time without supporting a variety of plants and animals.
Volunteer students and Prudence Island residents help to remove invasive species, such as autumn olive, tree of heaven, and European larch. Native plants are often outcompeted by aggressive, introduced species which will change the habitat over time without supporting a variety of plants and animals.

Supporting Healthy Habitats

Many habitat types on Reserve properties require on-going maintenance to promote biodiversity and protect species of greatest conservation need. Maintenance tools and frequency of management actions varies by habitat and, in many instances, requires external resources in the form of expertise, equipment use and/or funding support.

Wildlife Surveys & Monitoring

Update on Woodcutting Stewards Program Winter 2023-24

Important Information

Check this out!

Division of Fish and Wildlife: Wild Rhode Island Journal

RI Pollinators Article
RI Woodcock Article