Our shorelines are armored, writes Maria Dolan in Ensia. But that isn’t necessarily good. Seawalls, rip-rap (jumbled boulders), and other ways of shoreline protection affect the local ecosystem. Maria writes about scientists in Washington State and elsewhere who are finding ways to prevent erosion while retaining a place for seabirds, salmon, and the abundant little beach hoppers. Follow @mariaidolan image: Andrew Raun
