Odiorne Point State Park
Rye, NH
Over the last 350+ years native ecosystems at Odiorne Point State Park have been severely degraded due to human disturbance. Past disturbance has lead to an invasion of non-native invasive plants and it is one of the most serious stressors these coastal habitats face today. Odiorne is comprised of some of the rarest native ecological communities in New Hampshire that include dunes complexes, over-wash coastal marshes, and maritime cobble beaches. Since 2010, in partnership with NH Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), the Rockingham County Conservation District (RCCD) and other partners have been working to restore these critical ecosystems.
In 2010 the Odiorne Point State Park Invasive Plant Management Plan (the Plan) was adopted to restore native plant communities, control invasive species infestations, eradicate new infestations and improve aesthetic and recreational opportunities and public safety at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, NH.
When the Plan was created, at least 18 of 26 prohibited species on the state invasive plant list have been documented at the park, and since that time additional species have been located. The Plan determined that 230 acres of the 330-acre park were heavily invaded by invasive plants, and so the District set out to work on restoring those acres. Invasive plants with the greatest threat to freshwater and brackish or coastal salt pond environments are species such as glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus) and common reed (Phragmities). These two plants are known to spread rapidly, forming monocultures that outcompete native wetland species in relatively short time spans. Perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) has also been found along a fringe saltmarsh near Frost Point and is found in only a couple of other locations in NH. This plant is currently a significant problem in Massachusetts. Luckily, each year that is has been located, it has been hand- picked so that it will not seed out. Major threats to our coastal forested communities include Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), glossy buckthorn, bush honeysuckles (Lonciera spp.) and others.
What Might You See While Visiting the Park
Invasive Plant Mowing
Using an excavator with a mounted drum mower, areas in the park with some of the most dense invasive plant populations were mowed in December, 2022. As we continue to work towards reestablishing the native plant population in this location as well as other areas of the park, volunteer efforts, integrated pest management (IPM) practices, native planting efforts, and significant partner coordination will be vital.
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Allows appropriate access for habitat restoration
Promotes rapid regeneration of certain native plant species such as sumac, dogwoods and willow
Creates early successional habitat critical for many species such as the New England cottontail, ruffed grouse, and American woodcock
Removes excess bittersweet vines that are weighing down and strangling native tree species
Removes biomass of invasive infestations
Opens up the area to allow for native species regeneration and additional supplemental native plantings where appropriate.
Native Species Plantings
Active planting of native species is and has been completed in a variety of coastal habitat types throughout the park in an effort to promote the establishment of diverse plant communities. Historical plant species data is utilized in determining what plants were native to Odiorne Point prior to the monoculture of invasives, and is used as a guide for current restoration plantings. Additional considerations for determining species plantings include climate, growth rate, vegetation structure, soil conditions and sea level rise. Deer covers, stakes and flagging may be seen where plantings have taken place.
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> diversity > resilience to change or disturbance
Erosion control
Increased water quality
Supports a greater variety of wildlife species
Increased soil carbon storage
Healthy soils
Volunteer Efforts
Volunteers are an invaluable part of this project and we could not have had such great ecological success without their assistance, thank you! Over 10,000 volunteer hours has contributed to ongoing habitat restoration efforts at the Park. Volunteers learn about native plant communities and invasive plants in the park while assisting with various restoration techniques such as cutting and/or pulling invasive plants, pollinator site preparation, native planting and seeding, watering plants, brush removal and more!
