Research at BMMCA

Since 1977, Bates faculty and students have conducted coastal research in the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area (BBMCA). In 1996, Bates acquired the Bates College Coastal Center at Shortridge (BCCCS) and with the completion of renovations in 2008, the combined sites (BMMCA/BCCCS) have increasingly served faculty, students and researchers, producing over 100 publications, theses and reports. 

In the last five years, student and faculty research at BMMCA has focused on geological studies, emphasizing salt marsh biogeochemical cycling, carbon sequestration and storage, and sediment transport. This work has produced 14 senior theses and several publications by Bates College faculty and colleagues, including: Coastal Blue Carbon: methods for assessing carbon stocks and emissions in mangroves, tidal salt marshes and sea grass meadows (Conservation International, 2014) authored by Geology Professor Bev Johnson and two publications on the efficacy of ditch plug restoration in salt marshes (Vincent, et al 2013; Vincent et al. 2013).

The link below lists senior theses, reports, and publications stemming from research at BMMCA and the Bates College Coastal Center at Shortridge since 1977. Although the list is not exhaustive, it reflects a 41 year commitment to on-going undergraduate and faculty research.

List of publications

The Shortridge Summer Residency

The Shortridge Coastal Center provides the opportunity for students, faculty and researchers to work in a unique coastal setting over the course of a summer. Since the Shortridge Summer Residency was initiated in 2009, over 50 students have conducted field research; engaged with state agents and community members regarding coastal change, sea level rise and public policy; served as interns in local conservation organizations; and worked as artists-in-residence. Shortridge is located about a mile from BMMCA, allowing easy access for environmental research on salt marshes, coastal woodlands and on a large barrier beach system.

For more information on The Shortridge Summer Residency, please contact the Director, Rebecca Clark Uchenna: rclark6@bates.edu; 207-786-6078.