2. GOAL/PURPOSE: The purpose of this field trip report is to learn what salt marshes and estuaries are, to learn what Spartina is and to identify the different species, and to understand why Spartina is so important to this ecosystem; to learn how long it takes for a salt marsh to form, what types of animals and plants thrive in this environment and what natural enemies if there are any, may keep this ecosystem as biodiverse as possible; to learn what an oil spill means to the sustainment of this type of ecosystem and why salt marshes are important to our environment.

3. HYPOTHESIS: I hope to learn exactly how a salt marsh or estuary exists and its purpose to humans and animals, and how it may benefit the environment by preserving this type of ecosystem.

4. MODEL/BACKGROUND: Estuaries and salt marshes are the result of the conversion of fresh water sources into salt-water oceans. Many types of wildlife use this area as their habitat and co-exist to make an ecosystem that is full of biodiversity. Depending on the salinity or salt content of the water, the variances in wildlife differ from the

Animals ranging from mammals, to amphibious animals to reptiles, birds and crustaceans, not to mention microbial organisms that are imperative to the breakdown of organic matter, all make estuaries and salt marshes their home or place to rest. Some of the animals that co-habitat there are: Horseshoe crab, fiddler crab, different types of shrimp, mosquitoes snails, fish; different species of birds such as red winged black birds, herons, egrets, pelicans, sea gulls etc.

5. DATA: The definition of an estuary is the place where fresh water sources such as streams and rivers flow into the ocean. This is where the salt water and the fresh water mix. Estuaries can be called by many different monikers such as, bay, lagoon, harbor or inlet. Estuaries can be different sizes and shapes. A salt marsh is the area between land and water that is mostly formed along the shores of an estuary.

Oil spills and other man-made disasters to the environment can destroy vital ecosystems and minimize biodiversity in that particular ecosystem. The animals and plants in those areas succumb to pollutants and chemicals that are introduced and those that may interact negatively can have significant consequences. Estuarine

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