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.

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.
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.
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.
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. Remove the map and writing about “Many habitat types on R
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. Remove the map and writing about “Many habitat types on R
Quick Links