Great Marsh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Great Marsh |
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 Great Marsh
Location in Massachusetts
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| Location |  Massachusetts New Hampshire |
| Coordinates | 42°44′07″N 70°49′08″W / 42.735277°N 70.818914°W |
| Type | Saltmarsh |
| River sources | Parker River |
| Ocean/sea sources | Atlantic Ocean |
| Surface area | 20,000–30,000 acres (8,100–12,100 ha) |
| Salinity | Salt Water |
| Frozen | Salt water Lake |
| Islands | Plum Island |
| Settlements |
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The Great Marsh is a huge saltmarsh along the coast of New England. It covers between 20,000 to 30,000 acres (8,100 to 12,100 hectares) of protected coastal land. This giant ecosystem reaches from Cape Ann in Massachusetts up into coastal New Hampshire. It contains winding tidal rivers, muddy mudflats, barrier beaches, and sandy dunes. Because of its rich wildlife, it is recognized as a globally Important Bird Area.
Contents
Exploring the Geography of the Great Marsh
This natural wonder stretches across many towns and bays in Essex County, Massachusetts. The wetland connects directly to the salty waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Rivers like the Parker River flow through the grasses, bringing nutrients to the sea.
Towns and Islands Along the Coast
The wetland touches several historic seaside communities. Visitors can see parts of it in many places:
The long barrier island called Plum Island shelters the inner waters from ocean waves. Its sandy dunes block rough storms from washing away the delicate grasses.
Why Are Salt Marshes Important for Wildlife?
The Great Marsh works like a giant sponge. It soaks up high floodwaters and cleans runoff before reaching the sea. The rising and falling ocean tides create shallow pools where young fish and crabs find shelter.
Animals That Depend on the Wetland
Thousands of migrating shorebirds stop here every year to rest and feed. Birds hunt for tasty worms in the soft mud during low tide. Small creatures hide among thick grasses to escape larger predators in the open ocean.
Protecting the Coastal Habitat
People work together to keep these waters healthy and clean. Caring for the marsh helps local towns survive coastal storms. Without these thick grasses, waves would erode the coastline and wash away beaches. Preserving this habitat keeps New England's shoreline strong and full of life.
