Photos: Bryan Stokes
The Salt Marsh In Peril
The Saltmarsh Sparrow (SALS) has often been referred to as the "Canary in the Coal Mine" for rising sea levels due to global warming. It has successfully built nests only an inch above the ground for thousands of years. This species is dependent upon healthy salt marshes on the east coast of the US. Since the 1990s, 75% of the population has been lost. It lives nowhere else in the world, and could become extinct by 2040, due to flooding and habitat loss. Learn more about our project to study this threatened species.
Our work at Jacob's Point this year was a great success. 38 nest were found and documented! The largest number of our three years. More details...
Our project is fueled by a dedicated network of volunteers who acquire valuable skills in field biology. Finding nests is both an art and a science; it requires mentorship, patience and persistence.
Photo © Evan Lipton