Nicknamed the “Canary in the Coastline”, Saltmarsh Sparrows shine a light on the threat that accelerated rates of sea-level rise pose to salt marshes across New England. This small secretive bird nests exclusively in salt marshes but, as marshes degrade, Saltmarsh Sparrows are at risk of global extinction, with estimates as early as 2035. Come hear Grace McCulloch, Community Science Project Leader at NH Audubon, share her experiences working with Saltmarsh Sparrows and her research which is currently being used to inform local salt marsh restoration. Learn about these amazing birds, the challenges they face, and what it is like to live in the salt marsh.

Bio: As a master’s student at the University of New Hampshire and a Graduate Research Fellow at Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Grace McCulloch has a wealth of experience and stories to share from working in NH salt marshes. Focusing on understanding Saltmarsh Sparrow occupancy and nesting, she has been busy zigzagging across the Seacoast monitoring nests, conducting point counts, and banding. In her new position with NH Audubon as their Community Science Project Leader, she brings to the role a background in wildlife ecology and a passion for connecting people to their local wildlife. She has worked in various positions doing avian research in northern Vermont and New Hampshire, leading public programs at Acadia National Park, and even as a camp counselor at the Seacoast Science Center. In her free time, Grace enjoys photographing wildlife, hiking, and (of course) birding.

All of the in-person programs start at 7:30pm, with 7pm refreshments. For more information see the chapter website.