A Maryland Department of Natural Resources initiative focused on climate adaptation along the Eastern Shore has approved seven grants worth more than $4.5 million to safeguard large areas of saltmarsh habitat through living shoreline construction.
The funded projects are designed to shield coastal areas and islands from shoreline erosion, creating a protective buffer for nearby communities while preserving habitat for migratory birds such as the saltmarsh sparrow and other vulnerable wildlife. Among the projects, one will specifically help protect an important roadway, and another will support an outdoor space dedicated to veterans.
Together, these efforts contribute to the Roots for Resilience program’s goal of protecting 400 acres of high-quality marsh habitat by 2029.
A living shoreline relies on nature-based methods — including marsh plantings, coir logs, sills, and breakwaters — to hold shorelines in place while keeping natural coastal processes intact. This approach helps reduce flooding and erosion, shields infrastructure, lowers long-term costs, supports working waterfronts, and strengthens communities against rising sea levels.
DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz highlighted the importance of the work: “These projects are ideally suited for the Roots for Resilience initiative, designed for the vulnerable communities of the Eastern Shore. The shared goals of protecting people and habitats are vitally connected. These living shoreline projects demonstrate how solutions work best when we work with nature to benefit local communities.”
Roots for Resilience launched in May 2026 and is backed by $42.5 million in federal grant funding. The program channels that money into nature-based climate solutions such as tree plantings, sustainable forest management, coastal wetland restoration, and living shoreline projects.
Funding comes through a Climate Pollution Reduction Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, awarded to the Atlantic Conservation Coalition — a group made up of The Nature Conservancy and agencies from four coastal states, including DNR and the Maryland Department of the Environment.
Eastern Shore saltmarshes face growing threats from rising sea levels and gradual land sinking, putting these low-lying coastal wetlands at serious risk of being swallowed by open water. These habitats serve a vital role by filtering pollutants, storing carbon in plant roots and soil, and protecting shorelines from erosion and storm surges.
Grant recipients include Maryland counties and nonprofit organizations, chosen through a formal Request for Proposals process. One project is already cleared for construction, while six others will receive funding to complete their designs before becoming eligible for construction money. The total funding available through this program for living shoreline restoration is approximately $17 million.
All projects will take place in Dorchester and Somerset counties between 2026 and 2029, with additional funds and in-kind contributions coming from project partners. The seven project locations are as follows:
Wroten Island — Green Trust Alliance received a grant for a shovel-ready, permitted living shoreline at Wroten Island that will reduce erosion and protect more than 150 acres of marsh habitat. Construction is expected to get underway in fall 2026.
Pocomoke Sound — The Lower Shore Land Trust will use its grant to design a living shoreline on conservation-easement property along the Pocomoke Sound shoreline, aiming to protect more than 200 acres of healthy salt marsh for sensitive species including the eastern diamondback terrapin and saltmarsh sparrow.
Smith Island — Ducks Unlimited will design a living shoreline within the Martin National Wildlife Refuge on Smith Island, protecting 118 acres of marsh habitat that migrating waterfowl depend on.
Deal Island — The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay will design a living shoreline within the Deal Island Wildlife Management Area at Little Deal Island, protecting 78 acres of marsh by curbing erosion along the island’s southwestern side.
Franks Island — Somerset County received a grant to design a living shoreline that will protect 72 acres of marsh from erosion, strengthen Franks Island’s ability to withstand storm impacts, and shield the Deal Island Causeway.
Fishing Bay — Dorchester County will use its grant to design a living shoreline at the Fishing Bay Wildlife Management Area, reducing erosion and protecting 116 acres of marsh that supports a variety of birds and aquatic species.
Taylors Island — The Military Bowl Foundation received funding to design a living shoreline at Patriot Point, an outdoor retreat for veterans. The project aims to protect 100 acres of marsh habitat along migratory routes used by birds and other wildlife.
In addition to the living shoreline grants, DNR is currently reviewing applications from nonprofits that will partner with county governments to conduct community outreach on enhanced forestry management and help identify contractors to meet the program’s forest management goals. Additional funding opportunities are listed on the Roots for Resilience open solicitations website.
