Class from the Field: Salt Marshes

On Friday July 3, I led class from Babson Creek Preserve on MDI, the salt marsh estuary at the head of Somes Sound under the protection of Maine Coast Heritage Trust. Salt marshes are one of my favorite habitats to study and share with others because they are so rich in life, and because they beautifully demonstrate a simple and well-defined ecosystem.

Our class today followed the outline of this publication entitled Maine's Salt Marshes: Their Functions, Values and Restoration. We learned what defines a salt marsh, and discussed the important functions they serve in the environment as transitional habitats, and their crucial role in commercial fishing industries. In short, salt marshes serve many functions: they are nurseries for over 70% of commercially important fish & shellfish, they provide protection from land erosion and storm surges, and also serve as filtration systems, removing pollutants and excessive nutrients from tidal waters. After learning all this, our whole class was in agreement that salt marshes are precious habitats that must be prioritized in conservation efforts!

I invite you to explore a salt marsh near you to experience a peaceful and beautiful landscape, observe the integration of ocean and river communities, and reflect on the incredible diversity and delicate balance of our local environment.

Babson Creek, Somesville Maine.

Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora), an indicator species of saltmarshes, and sea milkwort (Lysimachia maritima).