Forested Wetland Studies: Atlantic White Cedars, Peat Geology and Roots

Massachusetts has invested in restoring and protecting its wetlands, most recently by creating a cranberry bog program prioritize restoration in these places where the hydrology and geology are already optimal for wetlands. Many of these restoration projects were formerly Atlantic White Cedar (AWC) swamps. 

The independent study student(s) will assist with ongoing research on several southeastern Massachusetts sites encompassed by the Hydrologic Understory: Groundwater flowpaths, surface water mixing, underground thermal regimes and soil moisture monitoring - the interconnected web of hydrology and ecology beneath the surface. We will quantify the ecohydrology of current AWC habitats by making hydrology and plant community habitat measurements in the field in inland and coastal swamps. 

Students will assist with laboratory methods and analysis such as charcoal counting (to establish fire frequency and intensity back 10,000+ years) and assessment of micorrhyzae from living AWC roots. Students can also assist with hydrologic monitoring of existing restoration sites and preparation of reports for Mass DER. Background on Living Observatory collaborative projects can be found here (https://projects.livingobservatory.org/projects). The student researcher should expect to take at least one, and possibly two trips to the site during the semester (lodging is provided). 

Live data from restored wetlands Foothills Preserve is available here (https://tidmarsh.media.mit.edu/data/foothills), as is Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary.

Name of research group, project, or lab
The Hatch Lab (Morrill Science Center & Fieldwork)
Why participate in this opportunity?

This flexible independent study project allows students to participate in a multi-faceted larger, long-term study. Students will select a component of the project that is of particular interest to them, and while working on that piece, contribute to team measurements and the larger research project. Group fieldtrips (and adventures) to field sites will provide the opportunity for students to learn many different techniques. Students can choose 1, 2, or 3 credits (an average of 3, 6, or 9 hours per week), to participate on a volunteer basis, receive practicum/ praxis credits (for the Environmental Science or other major requirements), or in some cases to be paid hourly for research assistance (particularly during the summer, or as part of the LeeSIP or CAFE Summer Scholars programs).

Logistics Information:
Field(s) of Study
Earth Systems
Ecology and Environmental Sustainability
Environmental Science
Geology
Natural Resources Conservation
Plant and Soil Science
Science (Interdepartmental)
Student ranks applicable
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Open to Honors Thesis Work
Student qualifications

Responsibilities/qualifications: The student(s) must have the ability to work independently and be responsible. Students interested in gaining some lab and field experience must be organized, detail-oriented and possess good data management skills. Field work can involve long days, walking several km over uneven ground without a trail, ground is often very uneven and wet. Poison ivy, sun or cold, ticks and other outdoor inconveniences are common. Overnight accommodation and transportation is included but students may need to bring some food. Students must have the ability to work independently and be responsible, and the lab instrumentation requires acute attention to detail for successful measurements. Enthusiasm for a novel project and ability to work in a diverse team are also a plus! 

Time commitment
1-4 h/wk
5-7 h/wk
8-10 h/wk
Position Types and Compensation
Credit for Research and Teaching
Paid - General
Unpaid - Volunteer
Number of openings
2
Techniques learned

Students will assist with Research Project Achieving Wetland: Metrics and Methods: Groundwater flowpaths, surface water mixing, underground thermal regimes and soil moisture monitoring - the interconnected web of hydrology and ecology beneath the surface. Specifically, assist with (one or more of) the following: (1) Charcoal counting and sediment core (peat) geology, (2) Hydrologic assessment of past, present and future Cranberry bog restoration sites using in-situ water and piezometer measurements, logging and calibrating hydrologic measurements, and (3) the Ecohydrology of Atlantic White Cedar forests. 

When in the field, the student will make measurements and collect data contributing to the larger project, as well as their specific topic of independent study, including GPS data, water level measurements, streamflow measurements, and soil moisture measurements. 

Project start
Fall Semester 2026
Contact Information:
Mentor
Christine Hatch
cehatch@umass.edu
Extension Professor, Earth, Geographic and Climate Sciences Department, UMass Amherst
Name of project director or principal investigator
Christine Hatch
Email address of project director or principal investigator
cehatch@umass.edu
2 sp. | 12 appl.
Time commitment
1-4 h/wk (+2)
1-4 h/wk5-7 h/wk8-10 h/wk
Field(s) of Study
Plant and Soil Science (+6)
Earth SystemsEcology and Environmental SustainabilityEnvironmental ScienceGeologyNatural Resources ConservationPlant and Soil ScienceScience (Interdepartmental)