The Assateague Island Shoreline Resiliency Project site was a tidal wetland complex adjacent to the Assateague State Park boat ramp facility that had been actively eroding at a rate of 3’ per year. The project was designed to utilize large boulders, cobble, clean sand fill, and native wetland vegetation to arrest erosion through a series of 10 headland vegetated breakwaters.

 

This innovative joint project with Maryland Coastal Bays Program and Maryland Department of Natural Resources sought to enhance habitat, improve public access, and reduce erosion by utilizing Regenerative Design techniques. The project drastically improved shoreline resiliency to large coastal storm events and other climate related impacts. Additionally, the project provided habitat enhancement for creatures such as horseshoe crabs, terrapins and migratory shorebirds. The Park also benefits from improved public access and outdoor living classroom space.

 

This project received a personal visit from Maryland Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford in August 2018 to celebrate the completion of construction. Today the shoreline is thriving with thick, billowing native grasses. Families relax in the sandy coves and fisherman cast from the rocky headland structures. Terns and shorebirds strut along the waterline. This habitat has been protected from erosion so many creatures can have a stable place to survive and thrive for years to come.