alt="Tree's on marsh edge" />
There are 2 broad categories of wetlands:
*Palustrine or non-tidal, which are fresh water.
*Estuarine or tidal, which are tidally flooded with salt or brackish water.
Both fresh water & salt water contain trace element metals such as lead & mercury which naturally occur in low concentrations. As the salinity increases so does the chloride, sodium, calcium, potassium & magnesium.
Wetlands are further distinguished by their vegetation:
*Emergent – are dominated by grasses, sedges & other herbaceous or non woody plants. These are commonly called marshes or wet meadows.
*Shrub – are characterized by low to medium- height woody plants. These include swamps & bogs.
*Forested – dominated by trees. These are largely wooded swamps & bottomland hardwood forests.
***The wetlands here at CBEC are considered ESTUARINE EMERGENT***
Wetlands have an on going plant problem. Purple loosestrife & phragmites spread quickly, crowding out wild-life supporting plant species such as cattails & bulrush & threatening the health of the Bay ecosystem.
These plants provide little or low quality food, shelter, nesting sites & nursery grounds for native wild life.
It threatens some rare & endangered species such as dwarf spike rush, bog turtles & American bitterns.
Dense snarled root systems impede water flow.
Solutions:
2 European beetle species & 2 weevil species have been approved by the USDA as biological control agents. Other methods of control include herbicides, burning & manual removal.
Wooded buffer zones along streams, rivers & bays can be classified as RIPARIAN FOREST’S. They differ from upland forests in their hydrology, plant community, soil & topography.
Riparian Forest’s Improve Wildlife Values: Riparian forest’s supports a greater diversity of wildlife. The reason is because of the numerous habitat features. Forested riparian corridors function as connectors between isolated blocks of forested habitats. They support higher density & diversities of migratory birds in areas where extensive forests are not present. They provide critical habitat & may be the only edge cover available.
Trees & shrubs are required for roosting & foraging for birds. Mammals depend on the vegetation for food & shelter. Increased humidity makes them important habitats for amphibians, snakes & turtles. Snags are used for dens by cavity nesters. Root systems of woody vegetation help stabilize banks.
Riparian Forest’s Improve Water Quality:
Studies show that Riparian forests as narrow as 50ft wide can completely remove excess nitrogen as it moves from farm fields through the forests to adjacent streams & marshes.
Tree roots help to stabilize stream banks by holding soil in place decreasing erosion. The most important role of the Riparian Forest is the uptake & long term storage of nutrients in its woody material.
Forests problems:
Forest land is becoming increasingly fragmented.
Deer population has increased due to protection in these areas. The deer eat large amounts of tree seedlings & young trees keeping forests from reproducing. Selective browsing for food has changed forest composition & depletes species diversity.
Invasive plants such as Japanese barberry, Japanese honeysuckle, kudzu, Canada thistle, & English ivy have become permanent residents.
Invasive pests & diseases such as gypsy moths, emerald ash borers, chestnut blight, beech bark disease & Dutch elm disease cause long-term devastating impacts.
The following cords will take you closer to where these 2 habitats literally meet. You can go in either direction from this center spot to view & appreciate the distinct separation of areas. You can also see the same results on both sides of the road.
The Tidal Marsh sign at N 38’56.966 W 76’13.179
The Hummock sign at N 38’56.968 W 76’13.385
What you will need to do to get credit for this earth cache is to answer the following questions about each habitat & since someone stole the cool unique Turtle crossing sign just post a picture of yourself with the beautiful scenery. (If you don't do the camera thing then just tell me & everyone else 1 thing you liked most about this area.)
***SEND YOUR ANSWERS BEFORE YOU LOG, SO YOUR LOG DOESN'T GET DELETED***
For the Wetlands (tidal marshes):
1. Name 3 amphibians, reptiles, birds or mammals that you might find in this area.
2. Name at least 1 type of vegetation found here.
3. What type of water would most likely be in this area?
For the Riparian Forrest:
1. What is the main type of tree found here?
2. Name at least 1 other type of vegetation found here.
3. Name 3 animals that live here.
***FTF to rehobch but FTF with all answers & Pic to my3sonz***