Roanoke Sound
NC estuaries
Why is it so important
- control erosion and reduce flooding of the mainland
- Helps with the economy and food supply
Location
separates Roanoke Island from Bodie Island of the Outer Banks
The plants and animals
Salt marsh cordgrass
It is a very important plant in this habitat
Coastal marshes
They are valuable, productive wetlands that are sometimes flooded, depending on the tides.
seaside sparrow
Threats
- harmed by changes to the land bordering and surrounding the estuaries
- Global warming is causing sea levels to rise. Rising sea levels threaten the swamp forests, which can withstand only temporary flooding.
- Wetlands were drained for logging and farming before the current restrictions on wetland development were enacted.