Living in a Salt Marsh EarthCache
Hidden : 2/19/2008
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:

***Answers must be sent BEFORE you post or your post will be deleted. Please DO NOT log a until you have sent me your answers. TY***

This earth cache is located at the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center.
(Open 9-5, seven days a week, except major holidays).




The Center was started in 1981 as the Horseshoe Wetlands Center by the Waterfowl Trust of North America, Inc to help answer the problem of dwindling waterfowl populations of the Chesapeake Bay. In 1999 additional land was purchased and the area was placed under the Maryland Environmental Trust so that the pristine wetlands would be preserved as natural habitat for generations to enjoy. The center contains 4 miles of land trails, a 1 mile canoe trail, 2 observation towers, 2 observation blinds, and boardwalks allowing visitors to access the varied habitat vital to the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.


The Center has programs and exhibits to serve the general public statewide and to educate the region’s residents to appreciate the unique natural environment of the Chesapeake Bay, in particular wetlands and wildlife that inhabit them.


osprey
An Osprey landing on its nest.


This earth cache focuses on the Salt Marsh area of the Center. Salt marshes are transitional areas between land and water, occurring along the intertidal shore of estuaries and sounds where salinity (salt content) ranges from near ocean strength to near fresh in upriver marshes. Salinity, frequency and extent of flooding of the marsh determine the types of plants and animals found there. Salt marshes rank among the most productive ecosystems on earth. They perform many functions valuable to human beings. They provide nursery grounds for numerous commercially and recreationally important species.


horseshoe crab
A horseshoe crab in the marsh.


Over half of our original salt marshes in the United States have been destroyed, many of them between 1950 and the mid-1970s. Most of that destruction was due to filling of marshes to create more land area for homes, industry and agriculture. Fortunately, people are beginning to realize the importance of these habitats. Federal and state laws and regulations now reflect an appreciation by the general public for the function and value of marshes.

The coordinates for the cache will take you to Y-shaped boardwalk at the salt marsh. Walk out to the end of the boardwalk to see a smal penne



***SEND YOUR ANSWERS BEFORE YOU LOG, SO YOUR LOG DOESN'T GET DELETED.

To receive credit for finding this cache, post a picture of yourself with your GPS with the Salty Marsh in the background on your Log. Then answer the following questions and email me the answers. DO NOT post the answers to these questions in your log. Our signs with the info have never come in so just give me your best thoughts on the following questions.


1. What are two plants, a shelled animal, and a bird that you might see reside in the intertidal zone?

2. Name two animals and a plant that you think would flourish in a salt panne.

3. How do you think the tidal salt marsh affects the Chesapeake Bay?


Here is a link with some general info about Salt Marshes. You may find it interesting.

http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Salt_marsh

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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