Cranberry Growers Choose Conservation
Carver, Massachusetts – As autumn settles in, cranberry grower Jarrod Rhodes should be meticulously tending to his beloved bog in southeastern Massachusetts. Instead, he’s witnessing a backhoe demolishing parts of it, turning his family’s nutrient-rich land into a healing wetland.
This transformation is part of a significant restoration project, which aims to revert the South Meadow Bogs site back to its natural state. Costing approximately $1.1 million, this endeavor will take about six to nine months. The plan includes creating a flowing stream through the 32-acre area and reintroducing native plants such as steeplebush and flatsedge, while also providing habitats for various wildlife, including wood frogs and hawks.
Rhodes noted that the bog had become “distressed,” leaving him with a choice: invest time and money into rebuilding it or accept state and federal funding to restore it to its natural state. The latter option made more sense financially and ecologically. As a fourth-generation cranberry farmer, he still manages 250 acres of productive land.
Prioritizing Nature Over Development
This project fits into a growing trend among cranberry farmers in Massachusetts to prioritize conservation over alternative revenue opportunities, such as converting bogs into solar farms or housing developments.
With the industry grappling with declining prices for cranberries, along with rising production costs, many farmers are feeling the impact of climate change. This includes unpredictable weather patterns, such as increased droughts and warmer falls that delay harvest time.
“It’s challenging out there economically,” said Brian Wick, executive director of Massachusetts Cranberries. Once the leading cranberry producer in the U.S., Massachusetts has seen a decline in its status over the years, producing only around 22% of the nation’s crop now.
Wick notes that many farmers are reconsidering their futures, realizing some bogs may not be financially viable to farm anymore. “They could be more beneficial as preserved natural areas.”
A Step Towards Restoration
Massachusetts excels in bog-to-wetland conversions, partly because most bog sites are historically built on former wetlands. Increased funding from federal, state, and local sources has made these projects more feasible, emphasizing the ecological benefits these areas provide.
“New wetlands help filter pollutants, and act as natural barriers against rising seas, helping to protect coastal communities,” explained Beth Lambert, director of the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration.
The conversion process involves significant construction work, such as removing barriers and drainage systems to mimic natural wetland topography. One project this year has already fostered a thriving ecosystem, attracting river otters and various bird species. This not only supports biodiversity but also contributes to a healthier local environment.
Community Benefits
Harwich, a town on Cape Cod, illustrates the positive push toward conservation, with recent projects enhancing local land while maintaining cranberry farming heritage. The Cold Brook Eco-Restoration Project has revitalized a 66-acre area, providing ecological benefits and potentially saving the town significant costs on wastewater management.
Michael Lach, executive director of the Harwich Conservation Trust, emphasized that residents are beginning to see the extensive benefits of these eco-restoration efforts, honoring their cranberry farming culture while building a sustainable future.
As these projects progress, Massachusetts aims to strike a balance between preserving its agricultural roots and promoting healthy ecosystems, ensuring that nature thrives alongside tradition.
