Virginia re-wet a swamp across 150 miles of old ditches; peat traps 200,000 tonnes of carbon

North Carolina is restoring its coastal peatlands by bringing water back to areas damaged by drainage, farming and timber activities. The projects aim to reduce the risk of severe peat fires while keeping carbon stored in wet soils. At Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, 37,000 acres have been restored, with water-control structures helping recreate natural water movement. Similar work at Angola Bay Game Land is restoring ditched peatland and wetland habitat. The efforts also support wildlife, improve resilience to flooding and sea-level rise, and involve local communities and landowners in managing water across the coastal landscape.