"Massachusetts is helping to transform cranberry bogs into habitats that broaden conservation and climate change resilience."

"What happens when a region no longer has the ideal climate for its star crop? 

From late September through October, Massachusetts’ deep-red cranberry bogs are flooded with water to dislodge the fruit—the celebrated official state berry—from their vines, and the historic fields are almost ready for harvest. 

But some cranberry farms are increasingly struggling with rising temperatures in the Northeast and the current generation of owners is considering what’s next. With state assistance, some are choosing to transform their bogs into wetlands, ensuring the land remains protected. 

Across southeastern Massachusetts, there are 60,000 acres of protected land, with 11,500 directly devoted to cranberry farming. So far, approximately 500 acres have been restored as wetlands through nine projects and 14 more are in progress."

Nicole Williams reports for Inside Climate News October 27, 2025. [2]