Credit: National Audubon Society
In the wake of increasing storm intensity and climate change concerns, Hog Island Audubon proactively fortified its structures to prepare for sea level rise. The organization applied for and received a ShoreUp grant in 2021 to reinforce the historic Queen Mary building prior to eventually lifting it 3ft higher.
When January storms battered the coast, Audubon’s campus suffered significant damage. However, amidst the chaos, the Queen Mary building stood tall and unscathed, a testament to the effectiveness of preemptive, climate adaption measures.
Eric Snyder, Facilities and Operations Manager of Todd Wildlife Sanctuary, highlighted the stark contrast between the Queen Mary and other structures on the property. The main boat house, slated for reinforcement, was knocked off its foundation. The wharf was washed away, septic lines were exposed and major erosion along the shoreline, left the footings of some buildings dangerously close to the encroaching waters.
So, what spared the Queen Mary from the storm’s wrath? National Audubon Society’s proactive preparation!
Credit: National Audubon Society
Island Institute’s funding helped with structural upgrades to stabilize the Queen Mary beginning the fall of 2022. In 2023 further funding was secured from the Friends of Hog Island to raise the building by three feet and securely anchor the structure with mooring chains and turn-buckles, creating a robust defense against the elements. This January in the face of the highest tides on record It stood high and dry on its new, strong foundation.
Credit: National Audubon Society
As climate change continues to fuel extreme weather events, Audubon’s experience serves as a poignant reminder. Preemptive action may come at a cost, but it pales in comparison to the devastation wrought by storms and the expense of repairing the damage afterwards. Like the Queen Mary, many structures along our coast are irreplaceable.
The National Audubon sends a message to its partners and others: the era of increasingly frequent and severe storms necessitates proactive measures. By investing in resilience now, we can adapt and mitigate climate change impacts and ensure the longevity of our coastal communities and ecosystems.
“We’re going to see more of these storms and need to be proactive, preemptive action is expensive but less so than repairing storm damage.”—Eric Snyder, Facilities and Operations Manager of Todd Wildlife Sanctuary
Credit: National Audubon Society
Credit: National Audubon Society
