Along Ship Harbor Trail, a wayside exhibit features an angled panel at the edge of a saltwater marsh, characterized by shallow water and stretches of mud and rock. Trees surround the mudflats.
The exhibit's title, "Mudflat Metropolis," appears over a view of the mudflats, where birds perch on low branches, wade as they forage, or fly over treetops. A loon takes a swim. A few deer nibble on grass. Two raccoons dig with their front paws. A crab, some marine worms, a clam, and other small sea animals lurk underwater. A caption advises visitors to "Look, listen, and sniff for signs of life all around you. Bubbles, lumps, and tracks in the mud make good clues."
Text explains: "The gentle give and take of tides at Ship Harbor creates habitat for a variety of plants and animals. Low tides reveal mudflats, home to soft-shelled clams, marine worms, periwinkles, and tiny crustaceans. High tides flood this area with nutrient-rich water and silt. Salt-tolerant plants transition to spruce-fir forests, providing food and shelter to mammals and birds."
