Rosemont Marsh Resiliency Study

A community-centered study of marsh resilience informs the development of nature-based strategies to protect a marginalized coastal neighborhood from the escalating threats of storm surge, flooding, and sea level rise.

For the Rosemont community, located in the “neck” of the Charleston peninsula, tidal marshes are more than habitat. They are a first line of defense against the escalating threats of storm surge, flooding, and sea level rise. Working alongside the Sustainability Institute, City of Charleston, AmeriCorps members, and local stakeholders, Biohabitats is evaluating the condition and function of the tidal marsh, tidal creeks, and riparian lands surrounding Rosemont to better understand and enhance the role of natural systems in protecting it.

The 12-14-month Marsh Resilience Study combines ecological, hydrological, and social dimensions to ensure both scientific rigor and community relevance. Fieldwork includes habitat assessments, water quality sampling, and vegetation surveys, with AmeriCorps members playing a central role in data collection. Their involvement not only expands project capacity but also provides hands-on training for the next generation of environmental leaders.

The study is generating critical scientific data to establish a comprehensive ecological and hydrologic baseline that can be used to monitor future changes in the marsh. At the same time, it is serving as an educational platform, creating opportunities for residents, partners, and stakeholders to engage directly with the science of marsh ecology and the strategies that support long-term resilience. Study findings will directly inform the City’s Rosemont Flood Resiliency Plan, providing actionable, nature-based strategies to reduce flood risk, bolster community safety, and maintain access to the marsh for recreational and cultural uses. By integrating local knowledge and ecological science, the study aims to create a replicable model for marsh-based resilience planning in other marginalized coastal communities across South Carolina.

TAGS

• Analysis+Planning
• Assessment+Monitoring
• Climate Adaptation + Resilience
• Conservation
• Ecological Restoration