Though eelgrass may not appear impressive, it may be one of the most important plants in our coastal region. With leaves that grow in long green ribbons, eelgrass forms underwater meadows that filter the water, stabilize sediment, lessen the effects of coastal erosion, produce oxygen, and serve as a rich nursery ground for fish, shellfish, and many other marine species.

Beds of eelgrass also have tremendous carbon-storing abilities, and may be up to five times more efficient at it than tropical forests.

On Wednesday, Jan. 21 from 4 to 5:15 p.m., Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust is hosting a hybrid in-person and online program with Maine Coastal Program’s Coastal Resiliency Specialist Devin Domeyer for a deep dive into the topic of eelgrass. Domeyer will provide an overview of eelgrass biology and present a summary of the latest research on the status of this fascinating plant in Maine.

Domeyer will also discuss the role of eelgrass as a critically important element in local work to combat climate change. Participants will hear about restoration projects in southern Maine and the future outlook of the region’s eelgrass beds, including those in Great Salt Bay.

This program is free. Registration is required at coastalrivers.org/events.

Domeyer has worked on eelgrass research and restoration projects in the Mid-Atlantic states as well as here in Maine. She is currently the facilitator of the Maine Blue Carbon Network.

For more information, email info@coastalrivers.org or visit coastalrivers.org.