Right now, it’s not much to look at: a floating patch of mud speckled with green seedlings. But it’s loaded with all the needed materials to nurture a self-sustaining wetland habitat. Those seedlings, planted by staff at Save The Harbor, will eventually flourish into a mix of native plant species that will support native wildlife.
The structures are built to suit urban environments: The rafts are packed with a base made of clay and woody debris. To keep them buoyant and flexible with the tides, a series of nontoxic floats and hardware suspend the organic mixture, dipping plants in and out of the water to mimic their natural habitat.
As the budding plants grow, their roots will dive deeper into the water, renewing lost habitats for native fish species. Fulford says bugs and crustaceans will have a place to live, feeding the fish that nibble on them. On top, he says the new surface area could give birds a resting place while plant life supports native bugs that only lay eggs on specific plant species.
