Connecticut Projects

Salt Marsh Stewards

Our Goals
Put high school students on the path to becoming conservation leaders.
What We’re Doing
Restoring local salt marshes through planting and monitoring, and enhancing Saltmarsh Sparrow nesting areas.
A group of Salt Marsh Stewards in bright orange t-shirts pose for a photo at the marsh.
Salt Marsh Stewards pose for a photo after a long day of planting. Photo: Audubon Connecticut

In 2022, Audubon Connecticut launched the Salt Marsh Steward program in tandem with the $4 million Great Meadows Marsh restoration project. 

The program consists of three crew leaders who train and supervise a group of twelve high school students from Stratford and Bunnell High Schools, recruited and hired in collaboration with the town of Stratford and the high schools themselves. This exciting opportunity gives local students a paid experience in conservation and a chance to get involved in conservation work happening in their communities.

The success of this ongoing program has been immense, both in terms of plants in the ground—more than 155,000, as of the first year—and positive impact on crew members and crew leads alike.

“I would have never applied to Aquaculture high school in Bridgeport if I hadn’t gotten this experience, because it really opened my eyes for the way you can change ecosystems around you and improve them, even if they’re just ten minutes away from your home.”
Amelis Medina, Salt Marsh Steward
500
Students hired annually.
155K
Native plants planted.
1
Metric metriced.
Program Contacts

Corrie Folsom-O'Keefe

Director of Bird Conservation