NATURE IN THE PARK
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  • Home
  • Four Habitats
    • Habitats Description
    • Marsh Introduction >
      • Life in the Marsh
      • Marsh Dynamics
    • Forest Introduction >
      • Life In the Forest
      • Forest Dynamics
    • Open Fields Introduction >
      • Life in the Fields
      • Field Dynamics
    • Creek Introduction >
      • Creek Life
      • Creek Dynamics
  • Photo Gallery
    • Marsh Photo Gallery
    • Forest Photo Gallery
    • Fields Photo Gallery
    • Creek Photo Gallery
  • Geology
    • Park Geology
  • Earth Keeping
    • Restore a Shoreline
    • Care for Longleaf Pine >
      • Plant a Longleaf Pine
      • Good Fire
    • Nest a Bluebird
    • Watch out for invasives
    • Retain Your Stormwater
  • Interpretive Signs Trail
    • Trees in the park
    • Interpretive Signs Trail Map
    • Four Habitats Sign
    • Mammals
    • Birds and Waterfowl
    • Invasive Species
    • Fresh Water Marsh
    • Vernal Pools
    • Reptiles
    • Forest Regeneration
    • Windsor Castle Park Forest
    • Longleaf Pines History
    • Geology Sign
    • Selectively Planted Trees
    • Bluebird Boxes
    • Purple Martins
    • Bald Eagles
    • Small Woodlot
    • Great Blue Herons
    • Stormwater Retention
    • Living Shoreline
    • Saltwater Marsh

Saltwater Marsh Information

Question:   How does the saltwater marsh benefit our ecosystem?
By filtering runoff and excess nutrients, salt marshes help maintain water quality. Salt marshes also protect shorelines from erosion by buffering wave action and trapping sediments. They also reduce flooding by slowing and absorbing rainwater. Salt marshes provide good habitat for waterfowl, crabs, oysters, and many species of fish.
Ecosystem - a system that environments and their organisms form through their interaction. The biotic and abiotic components are linked together through nutrient cycles and energy flows. Ecosystems are controlled by external and internal factors. 
Erosion - the geological process in which earthen materials are worn away and transported by natural forces such as wind or water.
Brackish - slightly salty, as is the mixture of river water and seawater in estuaries.
Tidal- of, relating to, caused by, or having tides.
Headwaters - a tributary stream of a river close to or forming part of its source.
Plant Life on the Salt Marsh
  • Saltgrass
  • Saltmarsh Bullrush
  • Saltwort
  • Woody Glasswort
  • Beach Tea
Other Resources
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/oceans/salt-marshes.htm
https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2021/03/01/11-facts-about-salt-marshes-and-why-we-need-to-protect-them
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​An online guide to the ​natural resources of Windsor Castle Park

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