We are excited to announce the launch of the Caring for Our Marshes Guide, an online resource for coastal residents, landscapers and community leaders looking to protect tidal marshes and strengthen the resilience of homes and neighborhoods. It offers practical, science-based tips for managing shoreline properties so that, as sea levels rise, the landscape can adapt and continue to safeguard both people and nature.
Explore the website and factsheet:
- Caring for Our Marshes Website
- Caring for Our Marshes: Backyard Best Practices (printable 4-page fact sheet)
Actions that Protect Marshes and Homes
When you take care of a marsh, it takes care of you. The best practices featured in the guide will give marshes extra space and minimize direct impacts so habitats can thrive and safeguard coasts. Healthy marsh grasses slow erosion, stabilize shorelines, and lessen the need for expensive seawalls. These recommended actions also lower property maintenance costs, improve water quality, and preserve the natural beauty of the coastline.
About the Guide
The Caring for Our Marshes Guide was developed by the NH Department of Environmental Services Coastal Program and the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in 2025. The content was planned and reviewed with help from an Advisory Group of experts with deep knowledge of New Hampshire salt marsh ecology, land use planning, permitting, landowner technical assistance, landscape architecture, and science communication. The beautiful artwork featured in the guide was created by local artist, Taylor Rose (taylorrosemakesart.com). See About this Guide for more information on its development, uses, and relevance to permitting.
The online guide offers practical tips to help shoreline residents prepare for change and protect the health and resilience of New Hampshire’s shoreline. For example, the website includes resources that will help you:
About Salt Marshes
Tidal marshes – including the salt marshes along the coast and bays, and the brackish marshes along our tidal rivers – are some of New Hampshire’s most valuable natural features. They buffer storm impacts, support wildlife and frame iconic coastal views. Salt-tolerant marsh grasses have deep, dense roots that stabilize shorelines and protect nearby properties, but these unique plants need space and a gentle touch to stay healthy.
The online guide includes photos, information and resources about the benefits of and threats facing marshes, wildlife that depends on marshes, and current and historical uses of salt marshes.
Sharing the Guide
GBNERR and the NHDES Coastal Program will be rolling out the Caring for Our Marshes Guide over the coming months, with a focus on outreach to Conservation Commissions and other municipal boards. We hope that municipal governments will share this resource with coastal residents when they are applying for permits or making other inquiries as a way to foster good stewardship and improve property resilience in the face of sea level rise and other climate change impacts.
We created eye-catching postcards to promote the Guide which are available for towns to send to residents. Several municipalities are already mailing these postcards to shoreline property owners and we have additional copies for other towns to distribute. Please reach out to us:
- To request paper copies of the postcard or the 4-page fact sheet
- To suggest we share the guide at a municipal meeting or other event
- To discuss using the Taylor Rose’s beautiful illustrations in another product
