Upper Dune and Living Shoreline Project at Cedar Street Park
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Maddison Gonzales
CoPIs:
Claudia Baydar, Alondra Valerio, Matthew Wolfe, Carlos Martinez, Julianna Cofinas, Gabriella Reese, Tolaney Anderson
College:
The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics, and Technology
Major:
Environmental Sciences
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Daniela Shebitz
Abstract:
Cedar Street Park in the Town of Keyport, NJ, faces ecological threats from rising sea levels and increased storm damage associated with climate change, severe erosion, and the abundance of invasive plant species that are actively displacing native vegetation. Past restoration efforts conducted by Keyport’s Environmental Commission in Cedar Street Park have included the planting of American beach grass (Ammophila breviligulata) and other native species and the installation of Christmas trees horizontally into the sand as a means to fill the swale behind the dune to limit erosion. This senior capstone project through the Independent Practicum for Sustainability (SUST 4300) focuses on further developing a restoration plan for the town of Keyport that focuses on the identification and removal of invasive species found at the site and other methods of fortifying and growing the dunes to combat storm damage. We are using Global Information Systems (GIS) to develop a map of where invasive species are found in Cedar Street Park and create a restoration plan using local plant resources. Necessary permits and restoration methodology for mitigating the impact of waves on the coastline will be researched (such as living shoreline installation). The end product will be a comprehensive restoration plan, budget, and timeline for Cedar Street Park.