Rewilding wetlands: The remarkable benefits of eco-restoration

It’s going to be an exciting week at the Hinckleys Pond — Herring River Headwaters Preserve, which is set to reopen on Oct. 22, after a successful eco-restoration effort.

Harwich Conservation Trust’s recently completed eco-restoration project at the Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve has transformed the site into a wildlife oasis with rewilded wetland and stream habitats. Gerry Beetham photo

The Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) project restored 30 acres of wetland across two retired cranberry bogs that bookend 174-acre Hinckleys Pond, and included the creation of a pond overlook and a mile-long All Persons Trail, which will allow people of all abilities to enjoy nature.

The Hinckleys project is HCT’s second large-scale, multi-partner eco-restoration effort, following in the footsteps of the award-winning Cold Brook Eco-Restoration Project, which transformed a retired cranberry bog into a wildlife oasis, and included the creation of a half-mile All Persons Trail. Cold Brook now runs freely through the Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve for the first time in more than a century.

These ambitious restoration projects, which increase biodiversity and enhance water quality, are made possible by the generous support of HCT donors. Thank you! We are also grateful to our many partners, who provided expertise and funding for these groundbreaking efforts.

The benefits of rewilding

For the big picture view of the benefits of these types of projects, we took a look at “Learning from the Restoration of Wetlands on Cranberry Farmland,” a Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration publication. Here are some of the key takeaways:

Nick Nelson, Senior Geomorphologist and Northeast Regional Director for Inter-Fluve, checks on native plant growth at Harwich Conservation Trust’s Hinckleys Pond — Herring River Headwaters Eco-Restoration Project. Harwich Conservation Trust photo

–Wetland restoration contributes to climate change preparedness by restoring stream connectivity to adjacent floodplains, marshes, and uplands, dissipating floodwater, mitigating sea level rise and coastal storm surge, and supporting animal migration.

–Wetland restoration changes the succession of plant communities resulting in an increase in richness and abundance of wetland species over time.

–Restored stream and wetland habitats become more complex over time, leading to more diverse animal communities and food webs.

–Wetland restoration has a desirable long-term impact on soil-based ecosystem functions such as long-term carbon sequestration.

— Removal of water control structures and other in-stream barriers provides unrestricted passage for river herring, American eels and other fish that migrate between the ocean and freshwater. River otters are enjoying the free-flowing Cold Brook, which is interconnected with four new ponds.

–Wetland restoration often includes permanently protected open space for public engagement, recreation, learning, and long-term stewardship.

–Wetlands improve biodiversity by providing critical habitat, breeding grounds, and sources of food for many types of animals and plants that cannot survive without them, including dragonflies, frogs, birds, and other wildlife that eat mosquitoes.

More to come

The data gathering and initial design for the next HCT eco-restoration effort is already coming into focus. Preliminary design work, funded by a $150,000 Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration grant is underway for the 50-acre Cape Cod Rail Trail Land Preservation Project.

Rewilding this site could create free flowing stream channels with enhanced fish passage and connectivity between natural wetland habitats, and scenic trails could make this a unique conservation destination for the community. And panoramic scenic views from the Cape Cod Rail Trail and Great Western Road will be forever preserved. 

Stay tuned for more about this transformative project!

—Sign up for HCT eNews, a great way to stay in the loop about exciting HCT events, guided walks and other interesting news.

—Your tax-deductible contributions help fulfill the mission of the Harwich Conservation Trust to preserve land that protects woods, water, wildlife and our shared quality of life. And your land-saving financial support helps us preserve beautiful properties that can become stellar trail destinations. Find out how to donate by clicking here.