Blog Post #4 Edmonds Marsh
Edmonds Marsh
I learned by reading the informational signs along the trail that one of the main functions of a marsh is being a rest stop for birds as they migrate. Marshes are full of nutrients for to help these birds survive on their travels. From what I observed at Carkeek, it was right on the Puget Sound and had a beach area, while the marsh is created by streams coming in from the Sound and saltwater coming through the tidal gate. The marsh seemed very steady and quiet compared to Carkeek, until I spent a while observing, the marsh and then it didn't seem so still at all because of all of the creatures that inhabit it. I observed the cattails, which I read are actually used by birds to nest. Snakes also search through the cattails in order to find small animals, like birds and insects. Something really cool that I heard about but didn't observe, was a local (who I believe must come to the marsh quite often) told me he saw two coyotes on the marsh, the first he had seen in 2 years! Wetland restoration is so important in Washington because wetlands are critical to the survival of a lot of species, such as the beautiful great blue herons I observed, and the tons of little birds flying all around. I think the second approach sounds the best, because I think it would be very difficult to rid the marsh of all invasive species all at once without disturbing the ecosystem, and potentially doing harmful damage. I actually did a service learning project here with EarthCrops last year where we planted trees along the trail, so it was amazing to see how they've grown! I learned that doing our best to protect the land and restore it is so important, because it is home for many creatures and plant species. It broke my heart to read about all the damage that had been done to the marsh for development purposes over the years, but we can only do our best to help bring the marsh back to how it was before.
Some questions I have are how does the marsh being surrounded by a city affect it? How is the marsh affected by rising and dropping water levels over time?
I learned by reading the informational signs along the trail that one of the main functions of a marsh is being a rest stop for birds as they migrate. Marshes are full of nutrients for to help these birds survive on their travels. From what I observed at Carkeek, it was right on the Puget Sound and had a beach area, while the marsh is created by streams coming in from the Sound and saltwater coming through the tidal gate. The marsh seemed very steady and quiet compared to Carkeek, until I spent a while observing, the marsh and then it didn't seem so still at all because of all of the creatures that inhabit it. I observed the cattails, which I read are actually used by birds to nest. Snakes also search through the cattails in order to find small animals, like birds and insects. Something really cool that I heard about but didn't observe, was a local (who I believe must come to the marsh quite often) told me he saw two coyotes on the marsh, the first he had seen in 2 years! Wetland restoration is so important in Washington because wetlands are critical to the survival of a lot of species, such as the beautiful great blue herons I observed, and the tons of little birds flying all around. I think the second approach sounds the best, because I think it would be very difficult to rid the marsh of all invasive species all at once without disturbing the ecosystem, and potentially doing harmful damage. I actually did a service learning project here with EarthCrops last year where we planted trees along the trail, so it was amazing to see how they've grown! I learned that doing our best to protect the land and restore it is so important, because it is home for many creatures and plant species. It broke my heart to read about all the damage that had been done to the marsh for development purposes over the years, but we can only do our best to help bring the marsh back to how it was before.
Some questions I have are how does the marsh being surrounded by a city affect it? How is the marsh affected by rising and dropping water levels over time?
I love that so many of us commented on the cattails in the area. I think it's pretty funny, but also indicative of something tragic. Most of our class grew up in the area, and we all had no idea that cattails grew in the area, let alone how important they are to the ecosystem. I think the real tragedy of it is that marshes in the area have been reduced to such a small/nonexistent state that we were so unaware.
ReplyDeleteI had not thought of the water levels being a factor in the animals behavior/ marsh's condition at first. After reading your question, I am also wondering what has changed. That is cool but scary to hear that there were coyote sightings there haha.
ReplyDelete