North Carolina Blocks 50 Miles of Ditches to Restore Peatlands

North Carolina scientists have begun blocking 50 miles of drainage ditches that had been cut by a failed farm, a move aimed at rehydrating the state’s ancient peatlands. The ditches had lowered water tables, exposing peat to air and boosting greenhouse‑gas emissions. By sealing the ditches, researchers expect to raise the water table, re‑wet the peat, and restore its carbon‑storage function. The project is part of a broader effort to reverse the ecological damage caused by historic farming practices that degraded the peatlands’ ability to sequester carbon. The restoration work will monitor water levels and emissions to gauge the success of the re‑wetting strategy.