Delaware’s Marsh Migration: What Is It, and What Can We Do?

Researcher(s)

  • Julia Scott, Art, University of Delaware

Faculty Mentor(s)

  • Amy Hicks, Arts and Sciences, University of Delaware

Abstract

Delaware’s marshes are on the move. As sea levels rise, saltwater creeps inland, reshaping ecosystems and threatening homes, farms, and the ground water supply. I created a multimedia video project exploring the causes and solutions to saltwater intrusion in Delaware. As a Delaware native and former state park employee, I want to help others understand and respond to this urgent ecological shift. Using video, interviews, and archival images, I presented expert-backed strategies like oyster beds and deep-root native plantings for building a living shoreline. The project educates new and longtime residents alike, encouraging informed choices about where and how we live. This work connects art, journalism, and science to spotlight one of Delaware’s biggest environmental issues. By visualizing solutions, I hope to spark action, awareness, and investment in the future of our shared coastline.