Volunteers Invited To Participate In SoundWaters' Salt Marsh Restoration Project In Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — SoundWaters is inviting volunteers to participate in a salt marsh restoration effort on Sunday, May 17, at Boccuzzi Park as part of a multi-year project to restore one of the last remaining salt marshes in Stamford Harbor.

The program will begin at 1 p.m. at the Cohen SoundWaters Harbor Center and is expected to last two to three hours, combining hands-on restoration work with environmental education.

Participants will help identify native and invasive plants, remove invasive phragmites and create space for native marsh species, efforts aimed at improving habitat diversity and reconnecting the marsh to natural tidal flow.

The event will include an introduction to the marsh and guided work within it. SoundWaters will provide materials including waders, tools and gloves. Participants are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle, sunscreen and clothing suitable for muddy conditions.

The cleanup effort will be led by Katie Boback, SoundWaters' assistant director of salt marsh education.

"Salt marshes are incredibly important ecosystems. They support wildlife, improve water quality and help protect our coastlines," said Boback in an announcement. "I hope participants leave with a better understanding of these habitats and a greater sense of pride in being part of the effort to help this marsh thrive for years to come."

In Stamford Harbor, salt marshes have been reduced by coastal development, invasive species and rising sea levels, making restoration efforts at sites such as Boccuzzi Park increasingly urgent.

"Community involvement is essential to the success of this project," said President of SoundWaters Leigh Shemitz in an announcement. "With major support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, we are able to expand our restoration efforts while engaging students and volunteers in meaningful, hands-on work that benefits both the environment and our community."

Additional volunteer opportunities for the Salt Marsh Restoration Project are planned for the summer and fall.

More information can be found here.