Salt Marsh Vegetation

Measuring vegetation height at Fire Island National Seashore. Bridget Ye / NPS Photo

A Brief Intro

In addition to monitoring tidal wetland elevation and nekton in salt marshes, we also study vegetation. Salt marshes are sensitive to natural mechanisms, such as storms and geomorphic processes, as well as human-induced impacts. Some of these human impacts include urbanization and increase in nutrient-laden runoff, restrictive infrastructure, and ditching.

At the Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network, we monitor changes to species composition and the presence of invasive species. These changes could relate to water pollution and salinity levels, tidal flow, groundwater levels, and the effects of climate change and sea level rise. In monitoring salt marsh vegetation, we provide early warnings of change and other information that helps park managers make conservation decisions.

How We Monitor

1. Set up square plots (1m by 1m) throughout a salt marsh at spaced-out intervals
2. In each plot, record the number and height of plants and what species are present

3. Analyze collected observations for any patterns in the variety and abundance of species

4. Repeat steps one to three for each salt marsh and every two years

Salt marsh at Hospital Point, Fire Island National Seashore. Bridget Ye / NPS Photo

Where We Monitor

• Assateague Island National Seashore
• Cape Cod National Seashore
• Fire Island National Seashore
• Sagamore Hill National Historic Site

Publications

• 

  Protocol

  Implementation Plan

  NCBN Salt Marsh Vegetation Monitoring Protocol Implementation Plan, Version 1.0

• 

  Protocol

  Standard Procedures

  NCBN Salt Marsh Vegetation Monitoring Protocol Implementation Plan, Standard Operating Procedures

• 

  Reports

  Marsh Vegetation Reports

  NCBN Salt Marsh Vegetation Reports List

Other Habitats We Monitor:

Coastal shores, upland forests, and estuaries.