Pocosin Ecological Reserve I
PER I sits on the Scuppernong High, home to the deepest peat deposits on the Southeast Coast. Historically drained for farming and forestry, the land shifted from a wet, functional ecosystem into a degraded one —releasing carbon and facing recurring fire risk.
Spanning 14,500 acres in the Southeastern U.S. and bordered on three sides by a federal wildlife refuge, PER I is uniquely positioned for large-scale restoration. Its geography, history, and surroundings make it the ideal site to demonstrate how restoring peatlands can deliver outsized climate and ecological impacts.
The PER I Story
The PER I Story
1978
Dr. Richardson begins studying pocosin peatlands
In 1978, Dr. Curtis Richardson joins the Duke University faculty and, just two years later, convenes the first-ever conference on pocosin peatlands. Over the following decades, he advances pioneering research on their carbon cycles, biodiversity, and resilience — well before their global significance was widely understood.
Dr. Richardson begins studying pocosin peatlands
In 1978, Dr. Curtis Richardson joins the Duke University faculty and, just two years later, convenes the first-ever conference on pocosin peatlands. Over the following decades, he advances pioneering research on their carbon cycles, biodiversity, and resilience — well before their global significance was widely understood.
Dr. Richardson begins studying pocosin peatlands
In 1978, Dr. Curtis Richardson joins the Duke University faculty and, just two years later, convenes the first-ever conference on pocosin peatlands. Over the following decades, he advances pioneering research on their carbon cycles, biodiversity, and resilience — well before their global significance was widely understood.
Dr. Richardson begins studying pocosin peatlands
In 1978, Dr. Curtis Richardson joins the Duke University faculty and, just two years later, convenes the first-ever conference on pocosin peatlands. Over the following decades, he advances pioneering research on their carbon cycles, biodiversity, and resilience — well before their global significance was widely understood.
Evans Road Fire
A massive wildfire burned 41,000 acres, releasing nearly 32 million metric tons CO2e — equal to 2.5 million cars driving 12,000 miles for a year. The fire underscored the urgent need to restore drained peatlands. Notably, restored areas resisted deep peat loss, proving rewetting was the key to long-term carbon removal and fire prevention.
Evans Road Fire
A massive wildfire burned 41,000 acres, releasing nearly 32 million metric tons CO2e — equal to 2.5 million cars driving 12,000 miles for a year. The fire underscored the urgent need to restore drained peatlands. Notably, restored areas resisted deep peat loss, proving rewetting was the key to long-term carbon removal and fire prevention.
Evans Road Fire
A massive wildfire burned 41,000 acres, releasing nearly 32 million metric tons CO2e — equal to 2.5 million cars driving 12,000 miles for a year. The fire underscored the urgent need to restore drained peatlands. Notably, restored areas resisted deep peat loss, proving rewetting was the key to long-term carbon removal and fire prevention.
Evans Road Fire
A massive wildfire burned 41,000 acres, releasing nearly 32 million metric tons CO2e — equal to 2.5 million cars driving 12,000 miles for a year. The fire underscored the urgent need to restore drained peatlands. Notably, restored areas resisted deep peat loss, proving rewetting was the key to long-term carbon removal and fire prevention.
2008
2010s
Research Breakthroughs
In the aftermath of the Evans Road Fire, Dr. Richardson and his team secure new support from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, followed by a Department of Energy grant, to advance decades of research on carbon removal, methane emissions, and rewetting strategies at Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge and beyond. These efforts reveal that pocosins — once considered marginal — could store carbon at scale with minimal methane and N2O release. This laid the scientific groundwork for projects like PER I.
Research Breakthroughs
In the aftermath of the Evans Road Fire, Dr. Richardson and his team secure new support from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, followed by a Department of Energy grant, to advance decades of research on carbon removal, methane emissions, and rewetting strategies at Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge and beyond. These efforts reveal that pocosins — once considered marginal — could store carbon at scale with minimal methane and N2O release. This laid the scientific groundwork for projects like PER I.
Research Breakthroughs
In the aftermath of the Evans Road Fire, Dr. Richardson and his team secure new support from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, followed by a Department of Energy grant, to advance decades of research on carbon removal, methane emissions, and rewetting strategies at Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge and beyond. These efforts reveal that pocosins — once considered marginal — could store carbon at scale with minimal methane and N2O release. This laid the scientific groundwork for projects like PER I.
Research Breakthroughs
In the aftermath of the Evans Road Fire, Dr. Richardson and his team secure new support from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, followed by a Department of Energy grant, to advance decades of research on carbon removal, methane emissions, and rewetting strategies at Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge and beyond. These efforts reveal that pocosins — once considered marginal — could store carbon at scale with minimal methane and N2O release. This laid the scientific groundwork for projects like PER I.
Pantheon partners with Duke Wetland and Coasts Center
Pantheon partners with Dr. Richardson and Duke to align cutting-edge science with investment. Together, we are aiming to sequester millions of tons of of CO₂ each year while boosting biodiversity and reducing fire risk.
Pantheon partners with Duke Wetland and Coasts Center
Pantheon partners with Dr. Richardson and Duke to align cutting-edge science with investment. Together, we are aiming to sequester millions of tons of of CO₂ each year while boosting biodiversity and reducing fire risk.
Pantheon partners with Duke Wetland and Coasts Center
Pantheon partners with Dr. Richardson and Duke to align cutting-edge science with investment. Together, we are aiming to sequester millions of tons of of CO₂ each year while boosting biodiversity and reducing fire risk.
Pantheon partners with Duke Wetland and Coasts Center
Pantheon partners with Dr. Richardson and Duke to align cutting-edge science with investment. Together, we are aiming to sequester millions of tons of of CO₂ each year while boosting biodiversity and reducing fire risk.
2023
2025
Impact & MRV
Through rigorous monitoring, Dr. Richardson, the Duke Wetland and Coasts Center, and Pantheon will quantify carbon outcomes and ecological benefits, demonstrating that peatland restoration can deliver measurable, durable climate solutions. As Dr. Richardson puts it, “This is the capstone of my career — turning decades of restoration research into practice.”
Impact & MRV
Through rigorous monitoring, Dr. Richardson, the Duke Wetland and Coasts Center, and Pantheon will quantify carbon outcomes and ecological benefits, demonstrating that peatland restoration can deliver measurable, durable climate solutions. As Dr. Richardson puts it, “This is the capstone of my career — turning decades of restoration research into practice.”
Impact & MRV
Through rigorous monitoring, Dr. Richardson, the Duke Wetland and Coasts Center, and Pantheon will quantify carbon outcomes and ecological benefits, demonstrating that peatland restoration can deliver measurable, durable climate solutions. As Dr. Richardson puts it, “This is the capstone of my career — turning decades of restoration research into practice.”
Impact & MRV
Through rigorous monitoring, Dr. Richardson, the Duke Wetland and Coasts Center, and Pantheon will quantify carbon outcomes and ecological benefits, demonstrating that peatland restoration can deliver measurable, durable climate solutions. As Dr. Richardson puts it, “This is the capstone of my career — turning decades of restoration research into practice.”
Our Partners in Restoration
Our Partners in Restoration
Pantheon is committed to being a responsible steward of the land and member of the community.
Rewetting peat removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
When drained, peatlands flip from long-term carbon sinks to major carbon sources, releasing vast amounts of CO₂ as soils dry and oxidize. Rewetting reverses this process — restoring wet conditions that halt organic matter decomposition and allow peatlands to once again function as a carbon sink. By saturating the soil, restoration turns degraded, emitting pocosin land back into landscapes that actively draw down and store atmospheric carbon as well as prevent CO2 release into the atmosphere.
Rewetting peat removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
When drained, peatlands flip from long-term carbon sinks to major carbon sources, releasing vast amounts of CO₂ as soils dry and oxidize. Rewetting reverses this process — restoring wet conditions that halt organic matter decomposition and allow peatlands to once again function as a carbon sink. By saturating the soil, restoration turns degraded, emitting pocosin land back into landscapes that actively draw down and store atmospheric carbon as well as prevent CO2 release into the atmosphere.
Rewetting peat removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
When drained, peatlands flip from long-term carbon sinks to major carbon sources, releasing vast amounts of CO₂ as soils dry and oxidize. Rewetting reverses this process — restoring wet conditions that halt organic matter decomposition and allow peatlands to once again function as a carbon sink. By saturating the soil, restoration turns degraded, emitting pocosin land back into landscapes that actively draw down and store atmospheric carbon as well as prevent CO2 release into the atmosphere.
Rewetting peat removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
When drained, peatlands flip from long-term carbon sinks to major carbon sources, releasing vast amounts of CO₂ as soils dry and oxidize. Rewetting reverses this process — restoring wet conditions that halt organic matter decomposition and allow peatlands to once again function as a carbon sink. By saturating the soil, restoration turns degraded, emitting pocosin land back into landscapes that actively draw down and store atmospheric carbon as well as prevent CO2 release into the atmosphere.
Peatlands are nature’s most secure carbon vault
Their woody soils accumulate carbon over millennia, layering it in dense, oxygen-starved environments that naturally resist decay. Unlike other ecosystems vulnerable to logging, pests, or rapid turnover, healthy peat keeps carbon locked away with minimal risk of release. This stability makes peatland restoration one of the most reliable nature-based climate strategies available — concentrating more carbon per acre than any other landscape while ensuring it stays stored for generations to come.
Peatlands are nature’s most secure carbon vault
Their woody soils accumulate carbon over millennia, layering it in dense, oxygen-starved environments that naturally resist decay. Unlike other ecosystems vulnerable to logging, pests, or rapid turnover, healthy peat keeps carbon locked away with minimal risk of release. This stability makes peatland restoration one of the most reliable nature-based climate strategies available — concentrating more carbon per acre than any other landscape while ensuring it stays stored for generations to come.
Peatlands are nature’s most secure carbon vault
Their woody soils accumulate carbon over millennia, layering it in dense, oxygen-starved environments that naturally resist decay. Unlike other ecosystems vulnerable to logging, pests, or rapid turnover, healthy peat keeps carbon locked away with minimal risk of release. This stability makes peatland restoration one of the most reliable nature-based climate strategies available — concentrating more carbon per acre than any other landscape while ensuring it stays stored for generations to come.
Peatlands are nature’s most secure carbon vault
Their woody soils accumulate carbon over millennia, layering it in dense, oxygen-starved environments that naturally resist decay. Unlike other ecosystems vulnerable to logging, pests, or rapid turnover, healthy peat keeps carbon locked away with minimal risk of release. This stability makes peatland restoration one of the most reliable nature-based climate strategies available — concentrating more carbon per acre than any other landscape while ensuring it stays stored for generations to come.
Restoration regenerates ecosystems and strengthens resilience
When restored, pocosins rebound from fire-prone landscapes into thriving wetlands that support diverse wildlife and unique plants. Their saturated soils act as natural sponges — filtering water, slowing saltwater intrusion, and reducing flood risks. By restoring balance to these ecosystems, rewetting builds landscapes that are healthier, more resilient, and better equipped to withstand climate extremes.
Restoration regenerates ecosystems and strengthens resilience
When restored, pocosins rebound from fire-prone landscapes into thriving wetlands that support diverse wildlife and unique plants. Their saturated soils act as natural sponges — filtering water, slowing saltwater intrusion, and reducing flood risks. By restoring balance to these ecosystems, rewetting builds landscapes that are healthier, more resilient, and better equipped to withstand climate extremes.
Restoration regenerates ecosystems and strengthens resilience
When restored, pocosins rebound from fire-prone landscapes into thriving wetlands that support diverse wildlife and unique plants. Their saturated soils act as natural sponges — filtering water, slowing saltwater intrusion, and reducing flood risks. By restoring balance to these ecosystems, rewetting builds landscapes that are healthier, more resilient, and better equipped to withstand climate extremes.
Restoration regenerates ecosystems and strengthens resilience
When restored, pocosins rebound from fire-prone landscapes into thriving wetlands that support diverse wildlife and unique plants. Their saturated soils act as natural sponges — filtering water, slowing saltwater intrusion, and reducing flood risks. By restoring balance to these ecosystems, rewetting builds landscapes that are healthier, more resilient, and better equipped to withstand climate extremes.
Peatlands are the most carbon-dense terrestrial ecosystem
Peatlands compress millennia of plant matter into their soils, creating the richest carbon reservoirs found on land. Their deep, saturated layers hold more carbon in a smaller footprint than any other terrestrial ecosystem.
“On average, the peatlands of the world hold a carbon pool in their peat of 1,125 t C ha⁻¹ … which is the largest carbon density of any terrestrial ecosystem.”
Joosten, H., Tapio-Biström, M. L., & Tol, S. (Eds.). (2012). The role of peatlands in climate regulation. Wetlands International & FAO
Peatlands are the most carbon-dense terrestrial ecosystem
Peatlands compress millennia of plant matter into their soils, creating the richest carbon reservoirs found on land. Their deep, saturated layers hold more carbon in a smaller footprint than any other terrestrial ecosystem.
“On average, the peatlands of the world hold a carbon pool in their peat of 1,125 t C ha⁻¹ … which is the largest carbon density of any terrestrial ecosystem.”
Joosten, H., Tapio-Biström, M. L., & Tol, S. (Eds.). (2012). The role of peatlands in climate regulation. Wetlands International & FAO
Peatlands are the most carbon-dense terrestrial ecosystem
Peatlands compress millennia of plant matter into their soils, creating the richest carbon reservoirs found on land. Their deep, saturated layers hold more carbon in a smaller footprint than any other terrestrial ecosystem.
“On average, the peatlands of the world hold a carbon pool in their peat of 1,125 t C ha⁻¹ … which is the largest carbon density of any terrestrial ecosystem.”
Joosten, H., Tapio-Biström, M. L., & Tol, S. (Eds.). (2012). The role of peatlands in climate regulation. Wetlands International & FAO
Peatlands are the most carbon-dense terrestrial ecosystem
Peatlands compress millennia of plant matter into their soils, creating the richest carbon reservoirs found on land. Their deep, saturated layers hold more carbon in a smaller footprint than any other terrestrial ecosystem.
“On average, the peatlands of the world hold a carbon pool in their peat of 1,125 t C ha⁻¹ … which is the largest carbon density of any terrestrial ecosystem.”
Joosten, H., Tapio-Biström, M. L., & Tol, S. (Eds.). (2012). The role of peatlands in climate regulation. Wetlands International & FAO