A walk along the Coonamessett River Restoration: An example of a nature-based solution to climate change, led by Dr. Betsy Gladfelter

Date: Saturday, April 2, 2022
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET
Location: Coonamessett Greenway Heritage Trail, 100 John Parker Road, East Falmouth, MA

The Town of Falmouth and its more than 40 partners have completed construction activities on the restoration of the lower one mile of the river, and also on the Coonamessett Greenway Heritage Trail. This includes a major trailhead with an amazing aerial overlook! Our walk will start at the overlook and descend to the lower loop trail, about a mile long. The trail crosses the river over two boardwalks that replaced two of three dams. We will discuss the various features along the way that confer resiliency to climate change in this coastal valley. You will see the longer and more sinuous river channel, and the newly restored floodplain, both of which now have a diversity of habitats that favor both biological productivity and diversity. We also will see a few of the interpretive panels (there are 31 panels in 12 stations) that tell the complex natural history and cultural history of this important area. Most importantly, we will discuss the role of the community in developing this site and creating opportunities to become good stewards of these natural systems.

For event questions, please contact Kenneth Brink
For registration questions, please contact Brendan West