Exploring Marine Ecosystems and Native Plants: Insights from Coral Reefs to Backyard Gardens
This blog category features posts focused on the animals found in coastal wetland ecosystems. Through these posts, I explore species commonly encountered in these environments, highlighting their behaviors, adaptations, and ecological roles, while building a deeper understanding of how these organisms contribute to the health of wetland systems.
Similarly to the calico crab - it took some before I got to see the banded tulip snail who spends most of its time buried in the sand. In addition to hiding strategies, these gastropods can seal their shells with their operculum and use their muscular foot to escape If they feel threatened.
I recently completed my volunteer training to be an aquarium guide at MOTE Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. The training section about mangroves reminded me of this kayaking trip I took last November. I got to kayak through the mangrove tunnels near beautiful shell key preserve. It was an absolutely amazing area that seems even more fantastic now that I know so much more about mangroves!
Erica Lauer Vose 