Restoration of Diamondback Terrapin Nesting Habitat along the Potowomut River

The goal for restoration of the marsh located on the campus of the Rocky Hill School along the Potowomut River in East Greenwich, RI is to improve habitat for a recently discovered population of diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin). The project assembled a dataset and developed a plan to restore the marsh to increase diamondback terrapin nesting habitat, increase hatchling overwintering habitat in the Spartina alterniflora wrack, and reduce predation pressure on the population. Ancillary outcomes of this habitat restoration fort include control of invasive Phragmites australis and enhanced resilience of the salt marsh to sea-level rise.