Coastal Rivers to host guided eelgrass paddle in Great Salt Bay
Beds of eelgrass wave gently in the current in Great Salt Bay. This humble plant plays an outsized role in storing carbon, reducing storm surge, and creating nursey habitat for fish and shellfish. Courtesy of Coastal Rivers
Beds of eelgrass wave gently in the current in Great Salt Bay. This humble plant plays an outsized role in storing carbon, reducing storm surge, and creating nursey habitat for fish and shellfish. Courtesy of Coastal RiversCoastal Rivers Conservation Trust will host a guided educational paddle through the vibrant eelgrass beds of Great Salt Bay on Friday, July 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The excursion will be co-led by Devin Domeyer, Coastal Resiliency Specialist with the Maine Coastal Program, and Sarah Gladu, Director of Community Science at Coastal Rivers. Participants will get an up-close look at this fascinating marine plant, learning how to identify eelgrass and its developing seeds.
Beyond identification, the guides will highlight the critical ecological roles eelgrass plays, including its ability to combat climate change through carbon sequestration and its function as a crucial nursery habitat for local marine life. Leaders will also share exciting details about Great Salt Bay's newly funded, 7-year eelgrass restoration project.
This program is open to paddlers ages 12 and up.Participants must bring their own canoe or kayak, paddles, and a required personal flotation device (PFD). Sunscreen, water, and a sun hat are highly recommended.
Participantswill drop their boats and gear at the Oyster Creek boat access on Belvedere Road and park at nearby Salt Bay Farm, where a Coastal Rivers guide will lead a scenic and gentle 10-to-15-minute walk back to the launch site.
The event is free.Space islimited and signup is required online at www.coastalrivers.org/events.
