Salt marsh communities are found in protected coastal areas dominated by salt-tolerant grasses. They provide important habitat for many species of fish, birds, and invertebrates. Salt marshes act as natural buffers against flooding and filter pollutants from water. However, they face threats from development, ditching, overharvesting, and other human impacts. Mud flats adjacent to salt marshes provide habitat for diverse invertebrate communities and feeding grounds for other species. Seagrass beds in shallow coastal waters create structured habitat and nurseries while improving water quality and moderating currents. However, they are threatened by boat damage, declining water quality from runoff, and rising sea levels. Rocky intertidal

7. Plant roots hold the sediment in and are a place for animals to hide.

12. Geukensia demissa

13. Agelaius phoeniceus

14. Limulus polyphemus

16. Spartina patens

17. Spartina alterniflora

18. Phragmites australis – that all too common, common reed

19. Salt Marsh at Low Tide

20. Salt Marsh at High Tide

22. Mud (Tidal) Flats

25. Mud flats provide habitat/feeding ground for many invertebrates – and their predators

26. Digging Clams

41. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25F7xMVNt-w Barnacles Feeding

42. Rocky Intertidal Flora & Fauna