ODIORNE POINT ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION PROJECT

Odiorne State Park Ecosystem Restoration Management presentation

Project Background

Since 2010, the Division of Parks and Recreation in partnership with the Rockingham County Conservation District (RCCD) have invested over $2,000,000 dollars (operating and grant funds) and over 12,000 volunteer hours to restore the native coastal habitats found at Odiorne Point State Park which include some of the rarest ecosystems in the State. Following the Odiorne Point State Park Invasive Plant Management Plan (the Plan) the goal is to restore native plant communities through the control of invasive plant species infestations which will benefit native plant species, wildlife, and improve aesthetic and recreational opportunities and public safety in the park.

Projects include eliminating Phragmites from a coastal salt pond, restore the Bayberry beach plum maritime shrubland on a cobble dune and eliminate buckthorn from a freshwater wetland that supported two state listed damselflies. Restoration design now also includes looking toward future potential conditions with accelerated sea level rise.

Many of the invasive species within the park have been targeted for control using multiple Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques including mechanical and careful chemical control methods. The RCCD continues to work inside guidelines for protecting historical and cultural resources, and to collaborate with our partner agencies to ensure appropriate management techniques are implemented.

Much of the project also relies on holding education and outreach sessions on site that include IPM techniques and native plantings. Rare and imperiled coastal habitats, and a few community types that are globally rare are located at Odiorne Point State Park. Partner collaboration and significant volunteer assistance really makes this coastal habitat restoration project at Odiorne Point State Park a successful model.

What's New for 2025

Increasing human and ecological pressure on Odiorne Point State Park’s dune ecosystems has led to the necessary closure of two trail segments along the Little Harbor shoreline. Foot traffic compacts sand and damages native plants, weakening the dunes' natural structure. Invasive species like bittersweet and beach rose outcompete native vegetation and disrupt sand movement. Meanwhile, rising seas and stronger storms accelerate erosion. Closing these trails is essential to help the dunes recover and to continue protecting both wildlife and our coastline.

What You Can Do

Respect all trail closures and posted signs.
Stay on designated trails.
Avoid walking or biking over dune vegetation.
Share this information with others who use the area.

Volunteers are always needed to help with site preparation and native plantings click HERE for volunteer opportunities with RCCD.

For more information about the restoration project, click HERE.