One thing that is evident with coastal restoration is that it’s a team effort that requires not only the coast, but entire watersheds. From reducing excess fertilizer usage and litter to increasing low-effort natural landscaping and pervious surfaces, there are many actions that can be taken anywhere to help restoration of coastal ecosystems. One thing that is often not considered, but could help with coastal restoration is growing wetlands plants specifically for use in restoration projects.
Some recent efforts to equip students and adult groups with the knowledge and some supplies to grow wetland plants for restoration projects have been successful. Several schools throughout coastal Mississippi and other states are currently growing wetland plants and learning about ecosystems through the Plan-it Marsh Program. Additionally, the Pearl River County Master Gardeners recently propagated out two species of salt marsh plants – smooth cordgrass and black needlerush – from seed at the Crosby Arboretum.
Plants don’t need salt water
You may think that you can’t grow these types of plants because you don’t have access to salt water. However, these “salt-loving” wetland plants don’t actually need salt water to survive and are typically grown in freshwater at nurseries. These plants have mostly just adapted to be able to tolerate in salt water as a way outcompete less salt-tolerant plants. That is one reason why wetland plant diversity typically declines as you get in saltier water.
Local sourcing is best
One important consideration when using plants for restoration projects and, subsequently, when growing these plants is to source material (seed, seedlings, etc.) as locally as possible. Research has shown that most of these plants are genetically diverse across the U.S. Gulf Coast, which means that plants of the same species in one area can be genetically unique to plants of the same species in another area.
There are many reasons why maintaining local genetic diversity is important but can range from how the plants grow in a specific area to disease resistance. For an example of why maintaining genetic diversity is important, look no further than the banana.
There is a wealth of great local information and guidebooks available through the USM Center for Plant Restoration and Coastal Plant Research and the MSU Extension Service to help get started with growing coastal wetland plants.
If you are interested in learning more, feel free to contact me, the director of coastal and marine extension with the Mississippi State University Extension Service and coastal ecology specialist with the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, at [email protected] or 228-546-1025.
Meet the author
Eric Sparks, Ph.D.
Assistant Director for Outreach and Coastal Ecology Specialist
Eric is the assistant director for outreach and a coastal ecology specialist. His work focuses on estuarine and wetland issues, and his specialty areas include coastal conservation and... Read more
Phone: 228-546-1025
Email: [email protected]