As climate change alters the ecological template on which plant communities develop, new approaches to restoration will be essential for the survival of vulnerable ecosystems and species. Tropical storm events shape the northern Gulf of Mexico and are anticipated to change in frequency, intensity and seasonality, creating much uncertainty regarding the success of restoration in these coastal communities. An assessment of appropriate targets for “futuristic” restorations, and not necessarily based on an historical condition, is critical for maintaining ecosystem function but also creating habitat that will act to protect future assemblages given different climatic conditions. This study aims to test hypotheses regarding appropriate targets for restoration of coastal systems undergoing climate change. The specific objectives are 1) to evaluate the ecological condition of abandoned homestead sites previously inundated during Hurricanes Georges and Katrina, and 2) to assess the utility of donor seed banks in restoring native community composition ecologically suited to current environmental conditions. We surveyed the above-ground vegetation in July 2008 and will also survey the remnant seed banks at the sites before introducing donor seed banks from major vegetation zones at Grand Bay NERR to test whether these locations are capable of supporting more seaward plant communities.
Results/Conclusions
The homesteads were bought out by FEMA and sustained soil disturbance during removal of building foundations and septic systems in 2008. The 15 identified sites lie within a neighborhood setting adjacent to the GBNERR and consisted of abandoned homes with overgrown yards. Tree lines are still evident which demarcate the individual properties. The plots contain native volunteer species e.g., Quercus virginiana, Pinus spp., Hydrocotyle spp., as well as a host of ornamentals typically associated with residential properties. They have also become infested by the exotic Imperata cylindrica and Triadica sebifera. The response of the plant community following the addition of the donor seed banks will indicate the types of coastal vegetation that are capable of recruiting into the sites and may indicate appropriate vegetation targets should changes in sea level and hurricane activity further alter environmental conditions. With a better understanding of the ecological targets for which these sites may be best suited in the future, we may be able to assist restoration professionals in anticipating conservation concerns and in providing a resilient framework for those coastal communities most likely to be affected by climate change.
