Atlantic White Cedar swamp ecosystems occur along the coast from southern Maine to central Florida but about 80% of their historic coverage has been wiped out or converted due to human activities. These ecosystems were extensively used for Indigenous traditional products, such as canoes and baskets, and as sacred areas to support cultural and spiritual practices. The Bradford Bog, one of the most northern and well-preserved communities of Atlantic White Cedar, is still activity utilized for traditional purposes by the Abenaki, who have expressed concern over the lack of cedar regeneration and its declining health.

NSRC researchers will assess Atlantic White Cedar natural regeneration and stand dynamics and establish long-term monitoring plots that will be maintained by the Abenaki using integrated Indigenous-Western research methods to assess ecosystem health. Researchers will create an eco-cultural stewardship plan to ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of this important ecosystem.

This research project creates a partnership among the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation, University of New Hampshire, Bradford Conservation Commission, Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust, a local landowner, and a local forester. The project will support the education and mentorship of a young Abenaki member as a graduate student in forest ecology, ecosystem management, and Indigenous knowledge and communication. Researchers and partners will facilitate outreach activities to share project results with diverse audiences, with a focus on communication approaches that feature Indigenous traditions, such as story-telling and experiential learning opportunities.

Presentations

Ciampitti, R, Bulseco, A. Asbjornsen, H., Moore, G.E. (2024). Investigating the Regeneration of Atlantic White Cedar in Bradford Bog [Conference Presentation]. Forest Ecosystem Monitoring Conference, 12 December 2024, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT.

Franzoni, C., Marshall, A., Wilkins, L., Ciampitti, R., Jarrett, G., and G. Moore. (2025) Are Microplastics Ubiquitous in Freshwater Wetlands? Examination of Peat Deposits in a Remote Atlantic White Cedar Bog in Bradford, NH [Conference Presentation]. Undergraduate Research Conference, 26 April 2025, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH.

Ciampitti, R., Asbjornsen , H., Bulseco, A. N., Moore, G.E. (2026). Investigating the Ecological Factors Affecting the Regeneration of Atlantic White Cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) in Bradford Bog [Conference Presentation]. New England Society of American Foresters Annual Winter Meeting, 19 March 2026, Portland, ME.

Ciampitti, R., Asbjornsen, H., Bulseco, A. N., Moore, G.E. (2026). Investigating the Regeneration of Atlantic White Cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) in Bradford Bog. [Seminar Presentation]. Department of Biological Sciences Graduate Student Seminar Series, 26 March 2026, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH.

Ciampitti, R., Asbjornsen, H., Bulseco, A. N., Moore, G.E. (2026). Investigating the Regeneration of Atlantic White Cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) in an Inland New Hampshire Bog [Poster Presentation]. The Northeast Natural History Conference, 19 April 2026, Burlington, VT.

Ciampitti, R., Asbjornsen, H., Bulseco, A. N., Moore, G.E. (2026). Investigating the ecological factors affecting the regeneration of Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) in Bradford Bog [Oral Presentation]. New England Estuarine Research Society, 24 April 2026, Plattsburgh, NY.

Lish, G., T. Cohn. (2024). Conservation easements and contested Indigenous groups: how are New Hampshire land trusts navigating land stewardship and access? [Poster Presentation]. Turtle Island Indigenous Science Conference, 21 – 23 May 2024, University of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Lish, G., T. Cohn. (2024). How are New Hampshire land trusts navigating stewardship with contested Indigenous groups? [Oral Presentation]. Forest Ecosystem Monitoring Conference, 12 December 2024, University of Vermont, Burlington, USA.

Lish, G. (2025). Private conservation and Indigenous groups with contested identities: how are land trusts navigating recognition politics and controversy? MS Thesis.

Lish, G., Cohn, T. (2025). Private conservation and Indigenous groups with contested identities: how are land trusts navigating recognition politics and controversy? Journal Article Submitted.