Life of a Salt Marsh

Davis Bayou Marsh at Sunrise

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The salt marsh, despite its starkness, is one of the most productive habitats in the world. Here at high tide, water from the sound flows into the marsh, bringing fresh nutrients, young fish, and larval shrimp and crabs. Plants and animals flourish in this murky mix of salt and fresh water. Spartina and needlerush grow tall, die, and enrich the dark soil. Herons and clapper rails patrol the shallows spearing fish and crabs. At night raccoons and opossums stalk the edges feeding on worms, fish, frogs, and turtles-and watching out for alligators.