In 2014, New Jersey reused 7,000 cubic yards of dredged sand at Ring Island; the new nesting ground was later used by 4 threatened or at-risk shorebird species

New Jersey has implemented an innovative project to support nesting birds facing habitat loss due to rising sea levels. Sand dredged from waterways was used to raise the ground on Ring Island for bird nesting. Species such as black skimmers and least terns have begun to return to these created habitats after several years. Ongoing maintenance is required to ensure these habitats remain suitable for the birds.