Where We Work

Living Observatory is a public interest learning community. We study the impact of ecological wetland restoration at watershed scale to advance scientific knowledge and public understanding of wetland ecology. 

Retired cranberry farms that are slated to undergo restoration present an unusual opportunity for study.  Built on former wetlands, these farms were drained, ditched and otherwise hydrologically altered in order to maximize the production of cranberries. Sand was applied to the growing surface every few years and over time raised the growing surface, separating it from the ground water by as much as 1 to 2 feet.

Ecological wetland restoration seeks to reset the hydrology of the farmland to a more natural state. To do this, water structures are removed, the stream channel may be altered to make it more sinuous, and riffles may be added in order to raise the ground water and keep more water on the land for longer. In addition, the cranberry growing surface is broken up in ways that generate microtopography. Large wood is added to the stream channel and growing platform, for wildlife habitat. Finally, target species such as Atlantic White Cedar may be introduced.

There are approximately 13,250 acres of cranberry farms in production in Massachusetts today. Falling prices and other factors are leading some farmers to consider alternatives for their land. In order to document the impact of wetland restoration on ecological function, the LO research community has focused most studies on four former “flow through” cranberry farms. Several studies have also collected data from active farms, and retired but unrestored farms. In 2019, the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration initiated a Cranberry Bog Program in partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association. This program helps to support farmers who are considering conservation and restoration.

Living Observatory researchers have documented ecological benefits associated the wetland restoration of cranberry farms, including: increased land for water storage, improved water quality, carbon storage and the development of wetland soils, increase in native wildlife and flora, and increased open space for public enjoyment and learning. 

Read more about the four initial wetland restorations properties below. Learn more about the benefits of wetland restoration here.