The Connecticut River is a unique, ecologically rich watershed with Whalebone Cove as one of the major tidal marsh systems within it. Botanically rich and physically dynamic, this presentation will explore Whalebone Cove in the context of the lower Connecticut River, why this marsh is unique and how projected changes over time such as intense rainfall events, higher air and water temperatures, sea level rise and storms may impact it.

Juliana Barrett is with the University of Connecticut Sea Grant College Program. Her work focuses on resilience and adaptation and coastal habitat management working with Connecticut’s municipalities, NGO’s, state and federal partners and most recently, UConn undergrads through the Climate Corps program. Prior to coming to Sea Grant in 2006, she worked with CT DEP on management plans for state natural areas and for The Nature Conservancy as the Director of the Connecticut River Tidelands Last Great Places Program. She has a doctorate in plant ecology from the University of Connecticut and is a co-author of the Vegetation of Connecticut and several guides describing coastal habitats of Long Island Sound. She likes nothing better than getting wet and muddy in Connecticut’s wetlands or hiking and kayaking through new places.