Algae-Primitive one-celled or multi-celled plants. Species include microscopic diatoms to kelps and seaweed.

Anadramous Fish -Fish species which migrate upstream from saltwater to freshwater sections of a river to spawn.

Barrier Beach-A beach which acts as a barrier between the ocean and the land (usually marshes) behind it.

Black-Crowned Night-Heron-This stocky heron is active at night and typically roosts in trees.

Detritus-Organic materials broken down by bacteria. An important food source for the salt marsh ecosystem.

Estuary-A section of a river influenced by the tides, where salt and fresh waters mix.

Flyway-A natural route for migrating birds.

Food Web-a network of interconnected organisms which are dependent on one another for survival.

Habitat-an environment where a biological organism lives.

Invertebrates-organisms with no backbone, like worms, insects, etc.

Meadow Vole -A small rodent which lives in meadows

Osprey-Also known as a fish-hawk, this bird of prey can be seen near fresh and salt water and eats fish almost exclusively.

Peat-soil with a high content of plant material found in marshes.

Phragmites-Also known as a common reed, this invasive plant grows to 10-14 feet high. Found in disturbed areas in brackish water.

Purple loosestrife-This plant's attractive purple flowers belies the fact that, like phragmites, tend to crowd out more beneficial plant species.

Salt Marsh-An ecosystem found in coastal areas defined by salt marsh grasses in a tidal system.

Salt Marsh Hay-The generic name for high marsh grass. This includes spike grass, black grass and Spartina patens.

Salt Panne-A small pond or pool in the marsh which usually holds water as the tide recedes.

Staddle-A structure made of separate posts driven into the marsh creating an elevated platform on which to store marsh hay.

Tidal rip-An extremely strong flow of water caused by tidal action.

Watershed-An area of land in which salt water falling on this region drains into one river.