A Renewed Interest in Life and Death of the Salt Marsh

Scientists Rachel Jakuba, Neil Ganju, and Susan Teal at a panel discussion about the book at the Drawing Room in New Bedford.

Fifty-five years ago, John Teal, a Harvard University alumnus and Woods Hole scientist, and his wife Mildred Teal released the Life and Death of the Salt Marsh, which motivated a generation of coastal citizens and lawmakers to advocate for the most important ecosystem in a seaside region. Late last year, the Coalition re-released the breakthrough text with wonderful artwork by Marion artist Peter Stone and a new foreword by Buzzards Bay Coalition President Mark Rasmussen. Since the re-printing, the Coalition has been hosting unique events to engage the public on the topics of the book:

Panel Discussions

Scientists Neil Ganju, Rachel Jakuba and Susan Teal joined Rasmussen to discuss the fifty-five-year-old landmark book. The panel examined the text and its continuing relevance, as well as the health and importance of local salt marshes in a time when the greatest threat to such marshes—climate change’s rising sea levels—looms large. The events took place Tuesday, May 6 at Davoll’s General Store in South Dartmouth and Thursday, April 10 at The Drawing Room.

Art Show

Artist and author Peter Stone holds the book, which features his artwork on the cover.

The artist whose work is featured on the Life and Death of the Salt Marsh cover is also holding a solo show at the Marion Art Center starting this month. Artist and writer Peter Stone’s contemporary oil painting weaves together the creative dynamics of art and science. Stone is known for incorporating Native American wisdom, shamanism, cross-cultural symbols, and mythology into his painting and writing. His show runs May 24 through July 5 with an opening reception on Saturday, May 24 from 3:00 – 5:00 pm. For more information go to the Marion Art Center.

If you are interested in buying the book, copies are available at Davoll’s General Store in Dartmouth, The Drawing Room in New Bedford, Eight Cousins in Falmouth, Partners Village Store in Westport, and Bunch of Grapes in Vineyard Haven. One can also purchase it directly from the Coalition at www.savebuzzardsbay.org/books.