This past weekend we celebrated World Wetlands Day. To celebrate, we decided to do a deep-dive into the Pier 1 Wetlands and the Salt Marsh here at Brooklyn Bridge Park – and how they make our city better. Wetlands often get a bad rap—written off as soggy, mosquito-filled wastelands. But in reality, they’re some of the most important ecosystems on the planet. Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 1 Wetlands is a perfect example of how these spaces can be both beautiful and beneficial, transforming what was once an industrial concrete slab into a lush, thriving habitat.
A Natural Defense Against Storm Surges
New Yorkers know how unpredictable the weather can be, from torrential downpours to rising sea levels. That’s why Brooklyn Bridge Park’s wetlands were designed to do more than just look good—they actually help protect the city. Acting as natural sponges, they soak up excess water during storms, reducing flooding and preventing damage to nearby areas. Think of them as nature’s flood insurance, built right into the park.
A Haven for Wildlife
It’s amazing how much life can flourish when you give nature a little room to breathe. The park’s tidal salt marshes are home to Saltmarsh Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora)—a plant that used to line the shores of New York Harbor before the city’s expansion. It helps prevent erosion and provides shelter for all kinds of critters, from tiny crabs to migrating birds.
Stroll through the wetlands, and you might hear the summer calls of Saltmarsh Katydids or spot Fiddler Crabs scuttling through the mud. Even plants are getting in on the action—species like Virginia Glasswort (Salicornia europaea) and the rare Eastern Annual Saltmarsh Aster (Symphyotrichum subulatum) have popped up on their own, proving just how well this restored habitat is working.