Secrets of the Salt Marsh

Grant McKown is a research scientist with the Coastal Habitat Restoration Team at the University of New Hampshire under Dr. David Burdick. His research interests focus on the monitoring and improvement of the restoration of coastal habitats in New England through field surveys and geospatial analyses. He spends his days bumming in salt marshes, driving boats around Great Bay, snorkeling and diving in eelgrass meadows, tonging oyster reefs, and making super cool maps at the computer with a hot cup of tea in hand. Outside of the lab, Grant tries to spend his days as much as possible outdoors cross-country skiing, backpacking, trail running, and kayaking. He is always looking for trail suggestions if you have any!   

 

Aidan Barry serves as the Coastal Resilience & Habitat Specialist with the N.H. Department of Environmental Services Coastal Program. He tracks the health of coastal habitats, organizes the state’s effort to monitor invasive perennial pepperweed, and works to restore natural resources. Aidan also develops outreach resources and coordinates the Landowner Technical Assistance Program, helping connect people with tools that support coastal resilience. When he’s not in the field or at the desk, you’ll likely find him flyfishing, surfing, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, or noodling on a guitar. 

 

Marjorie Mednikova is a Ph.D. candidate in UNH’s Coastal Habitat Restoration Lab, advised by Dr. Gregg Moore. She researches salt marsh restoration with the goal of enhancing coastal resilience to sea level rise. Specifically, Marjorie studies thin layer sediment placement, a restoration method where marsh elevation is increased to offset flooding. Her field days involve lots of mud, collecting sediment samples to determine the diversity of soil-dwelling invertebrates and bacteria. In terms of non-wetland-related interests, Marjorie enjoys cozy hobbies like knitting and embroidery, and of course a good visit to a distillery or brewery!