JC NERR Grassle Marsh

The Grassle Marsh is a restricted tidal salt marsh historically dominated by native Spartina species in the Little Egg Harbor estuary in Tuckerton, New Jersey. The marsh is co-owned by the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve at Rutgers University and the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust. Two aging and undersized culverts that cross under Great Bay Boulevard have restricted tidal flow from the JC NERR’s 15.43-acre Grassle Marsh to its contiguous parent marsh across the road at Sheepshead Meadows. This has allowed the invasive marsh grass species Phragmites australis to outcompete native marsh grasses Spartina alterniflora and Spartina patens.

Restoration will increase tidal flow between the two water bodies, increasing sediment dispersal, supporting regrowth of native marsh flora, and suppressing growth of Phragmites australis. The new culvert will also include infrastructure to improve safe passage for marine and terrestrial animals and enhance habitat connectivity under Great Bay Boulevard. The marsh provides natural resilience benefits to the local community, and maintaining its health will increase its ability to buffer flooding and storm surges in the future. Help the JC NERR track restoration progress!

Timeframe
Project stage: Ongoing, preliminary design
[Seeking funding for final design & permitting]
Start date: 05-2025