It is no secret that Warren has a vibrant culture and is populated with a distinct group of people. Yet, the town’s diversity begins first with its physicality. It is only a short walk from the shops and restaurants of Main and Water Streets to the East Bay Bike Path, which allows residents and visitors an intimate look at Rhode Island’s environment. Right alongside the path is the Jacob’s Point Salt Marsh, which plays an important role of which many residents are unaware.
A type of wetland situated between ocean and land, a salt marsh sustains many different types of plants and is one of the more productive of ecosystems. Warren’s Jacob’s Point Salt Marsh borders the bike path and measures 47 acres along the Warren River. It is one of many that are monitored closely by Save The Bay as part of their marsh restoration programs. Restoration includes strict water quality monitoring, as well as combatting invasive species that attempt to take over the marsh. Different types of plants can endure different levels of salinity, so keeping track of the levels of salinity is key step in protecting the salt marsh.
Salt marshes are a crucial part of any coastal area as they help to filter run off water and provide protection from various threats, such as storm surge or erosion, as well as offer support for different types of fish and plant species.
This is just another part of the town that makes it so special. The beauty of Warren is that it is so many different types of places wrapped into one town. Warren may be a small town in the tiniest state, but it surely is unique.
– Annabelle Everett
A native of Rhode Island, Annabelle is a summer intern for Discover Warren. She studies Writing & Rhetoric at Hobart & William Smith Colleges.