Bridge Creek - Barnstable
Bridge Creek offers one of the most easily visible examples of the effects of tidal restoration on a salt marsh ecosystem. The marsh at Bridge Creek spans 40 acres in West Barnstable on Route 6A. The site is unique in that it had two tidal restrictions, one under the railroad tracks and the other under Route 6A.
The restoration happened in a phased approach. The first phase, removing the tidal restriction under the railroad tracks, occurred in 2002 and allowed for increased tidal flow to the marsh. In May of 2005, a second culvert under Route 6A was also replaced. During the monitoring season, volunteers at Bridge Creek collect data on salinity, vegetation, and birds. In 2004, APCC and three of its volunteers were awarded a Coastal America Partnership Award for their efforts in the restoration of the Bridge Creek marsh.