Imperiled Ecosystems in a Shifting Climate
2016 Atlantic White Cedar Symposium
May 24-26, 2016

Hotel 1620, 180 Water St., Plymouth, MA

Restoring Atlantic White Cedar Ecosystems Exclusively Using the Dormant Seed Bank

Seth Wilkinson, Restoration Ecologist, President – Wilkinson Ecological Design, Inc., seth@wilkinsonecological.com

This presentation summarizes the results of an Atlantic white cedar [Chamaecyparis thyoides (L.) B.S.P.] (AWC) restoration project completed in 2011 on property owned and permanently protected by the Orleans Conservation Trust. The size of the project management area is approximately 0.80 ha. Prior agricultural practices within the wetland as well as innovative management techniques will be described. Methods of restoring and stabilizing hydrology, removing fill from the wetland and exposing the dormant seed bed as well as attempts to adapt to sea level rise will be described. While this is a summary of ecosystem restoration techniques rather than a scientific study, this presentation will include comprehensive photo documentation of the pre-work and post-work condition as well as the active management process. Associated risks and ongoing documented mortality to mature AWC trees within the larger wetland system due to sea level rise will also be explained.

Keywords:  Atlantic White Cedar, ecosystem restoration techniques.

Biography: Seth Wilkinson has been a leader in hundreds of ecological restoration projects for land trusts, conservation commissions and private individuals in the last decade.  Whether through the use of innovative equipment to manage invasive species or the inspired blending of bioengineering products with native plants, Seth and his team at Wilkinson Ecological Design continue to improve the practice and integrity of ecological restoration.  Wilkinson Ecological has eradicated invasive plants and restored native plant communities over hundreds of acres throughout Cape Cod, the Islands and beyond.