Freshwater Wetlands Health and Biodiversity Monitoring

Summary
The health of freshwater wetlands is critical to the Central Pine Barrens, as they ensure the continued health of the underlying sole source aquifer that provides Long Island's drinking water and the continued viability of the biotic communities they support.  The wetlands are also home to various threatened or endangered species of plants, fish, wildlife and insects. Despite their importance, little monitoring or research has been done to learn how to best manage these vital habitats.  Comprehensive monitoring of these wetlands is needed in order to provide natural resource management agencies with the information they require to preserve, protect and restore these unique environments.

What's it like volunteering for FERN?  Here's what one of our interns had to say about her experience working in the wetlands during the summer of 2007! Read More

Intern Posters and Papers Read More