Plant community and sediment development in two constructed salt marshes in Long Beach, California

Restoration practices have increased in recent years due to the continued degradation of wetland habitat. The goal of this project was to evaluate 2 constructed salt marshes of different ages in southern California by examining the plant community and sediment conditions. Diverse plant cover at the younger marsh increased over time but remained lower than levels at a natural marsh. Plant cover at the older marsh had reached the levels at the natural marsh, however plant diversity remained low. Both marshes contained coarse sediments with low organic matter. While vegetative cover appears to be developing properly at both constructed sites, other attributes remain different from the natural marsh. Low plant diversity at the older marsh and the sediment conditions at both marshes may have implications for faunal and floral community development. Continued monitoring will be necessary to ensure that these marshes continue to develop properly.