Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve facts for kids
The Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is a special outdoor laboratory and research center located around the Weeks Bay estuary. An estuary is a place where a river meets the sea, mixing fresh water with salty ocean water. This reserve covers more than 6,000 acres (about 2,400 hectares) of land and water.
Freshwater flows into Weeks Bay from the Magnolia River and Fish Rivers. This water then flows into Mobile Bay through a narrow opening. Weeks Bay is not very deep, averaging about 4.8 feet (1.5 meters). Its edges are lined with marshes and swamps, which are home to many different plants like Spartina grass, Juncus plants, pine trees, oak trees, and cypress trees.
The reserve also includes other types of land, such as forests, freshwater marshes, and unique bog habitats. These areas are important homes for many animals, including shrimp, bay anchovy, and blue crab. These creatures are important for the local fishing industry in Alabama.
What is Weeks Bay Reserve?
The Weeks Bay Reserve protects over 6,000 acres (about 2,400 hectares) of coastal wetlands and water areas. These places provide rich and diverse homes for many types of fish, crustaceans (like crabs and shrimp), and shellfish. Many unique and rare plants also grow here.
Scientists study the Weeks Bay estuary to learn more about how these special environments work. It's a great place to understand "where rivers meet the sea."
Learning and Exploring
The Weeks Bay Interpretive Center is a place where people can visit and learn about coastal habitats. It has exhibits, live animal displays, and collections of local animals and plants. There are also self-guided nature trails that let you walk through wetlands, marshes, bogs, and forests to see nature up close.
In 2014, the Reserve worked with other groups to protect a piece of land that now keeps the marine forests near the bay undeveloped. The Weeks Bay Foundation is a group that helps protect this land and is part of The Land Trust Alliance.
See also
In Spanish: Reserva Nacional de Investigación Estuarina de la Bahía Weeks para niños
