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Educational Eelgrass Exhibit

Educational Eelgrass Exhibit

About the Project

This project examined connections between eelgrass health, water quality, and water flow patterns in Great Bay. The project team combined hydrodynamic modeling of Great Bay and new field observations to examine potential stressors of eelgrass, including water residence time, nitrogen loading, in situ nitrogen processing, sediment dynamics, and light availability. A Project Advisory Committee (PAC) made up of individuals from 14 organizations provided input to the project team to ensure results were relevant, trusted, and useful within the current management context. Project outcomes are informing the adaptive management plans developed by surrounding communities.

About this Resource

The project inspired an educational eelgrass exhibit at the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Discovery Center. The exhibit is open to the public and is a central part of school field trips. The exhibit guides visitors through a simulated eelgrass meadow and explores ecosystem services provided by eelgrass. The immersive experience of being “in” an eelgrass meadow has increased awareness about this important habitat in Great Bay Estuary.

An immersive exhibit at the Great Bay NERR Discovery Center     An immersive exhibit at the Great Bay NERR Discovery Center

Photos of the immersive eelgrass exhibit at the Great Bay NERR Discovery Center.