Projects and Research

Past Projects Include

In spring 2016, Service maintenance professionals worked to shore up an eroded bluff using coir fiber logs before constructing the new beach stairs.  The specially formed Maintenance Action Team (MAT), comprised of refuge maintenance staff from as far away as Aroostook refuge in Limestone, Maine, completed the work using both Service-owned and rented heavy equipment. In summer 2016, an energetic crew of seven students from Groundwork Hudson Valley’s “Green Team” program worked with refuge staff to plant over 2000 native beachgrass plugs in order to stabliize this badly eroded coastal bluff.  The experience of working alongside refuge staff on this important restoration project was inspirational and rewarding for all who were involved. 

Leave No Trace designated Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge as one of their 2018 Hot Spots. Now in its sixth year, the Hot Spot Program brings solutions and prevention measures to popular natural areas around the country facing impacts associated with heavy recreational use.

As part of the Hot Spot Program, Leave No Trace professionals spent a week educating refuge staff, community partners, and the general public on how to reduce impacts to the resource.  The final report generated from this program will help inform the Target Rock Visitor Services Plan, as well as the Complex’s CCP update.