Living Shoreline
By Drew Koslow,
South Riverkeeper
Since our inception in 1999, the South River Federation and South Riverkeeper has focused on implementing meaningful restoration projects around our watershed. We are able to design, permit and build projects ourselves because we have a dedicated board of directors who donate their time and technical skills to the Federation.

In February of 2003, the Fullerton Beach Living Shoreline project was funded by the Chesapeake Bay Trust to restore 750 linear feet of low-marsh (intertidal wetland) that had eroded away. We chose this site when we were approached by officers from the Londontowne community who asked for our help and partnership on this ambitious project.

South River Federation Director, John Flood donated his professional services and came up with a design, obtained permits and managed the volunteers at the 12 work parties that were held over two years to complete this project. Our first work party was held April 19, 2003, and by August 2003, 160 volunteers had contributed 600 hours on this project.

Volunteers moved approximately 220 tons of stone and 200 tons of sand to form low-profile stone sills that protect the sand and marsh grasses that were placed behind them.

Before the project was completed it was put to the test by Hurricane Isabel. The Chesapeake Bay region was inundated by a seven foot tidal surge. Many shorelines around the South River suffered erosion as a result of the incredible tides and pounding surf. Our shoreline at Fullerton Beach was actually built up in the storm, even as residents of the community borrowed sand from the project to protect their homes.

The project was completed on June 19, 2004 when 50 volunteers moved 20 tons of rock and 10 tons of sand. Maryland Public Television filmed the work party and plans to feature it in an upcoming telecast of Outdoors Maryland.