Located in the Thames River, Waterford CT, Mamacoke tidal marsh is a 4-acre salt marsh that connects Mamacoke Island to the mainland. One of the remaining unditched marshes in CT, it has served as an area for teaching, research, and recreational activities for Connecticut College students, faculty, and staff. Long term studies in the area have tracked vegetation and elevation of the marsh since the 1950s. This marsh is a wonderful resource for our community, allowing for the enjoyment of natural areas and an escape from the nearby urban sprawl. Many generations of Conn students, as well as local residents, have a deep love for Mamacoke tidal marsh and are deeply invested in its history and preservation.
February / March 2025 Update
Most recently, Mamacoke tidal marsh has served as a reference site for the living shoreline restoration installation at the Connecticut College Waterfront. A reference site is generally a healthy or otherwise undisturbed natural area that serves as a target for a successful restoration effort. During this time, impacts on the tidal marsh from the effects of sea level rise started to be documented. These included documentation of biodiversity loss and signs of marsh loss at the cove edges.
Professor Rosa was awarded a grant to carry out more research and develop ways to help increase resiliency in Mamacoke tidal marsh. Here we will be outlining the progress of the research and informing the public of these efforts. Stay tuned for more!
