Tidal Marshes

Marshes, like swamps, are wetlands. In marshes, grasses predominate; in swamps, bushes and trees are the main flora. Salt marshes, then, are wet, grassy areas; they can occur anyplace land and sea meet. As a rule, salt marsh grasses are exposed and dry at low tide, and at least partially water-covered at high tide.

Marshes are not only places of beauty – they are also areas of great economic importance. marshes are some of the most productive lands on Earth. … The estuarine system cycles nutrients to support food chains that produce the majority (scientists estimate up to 95 percent) of commercially valuable fish and shellfish in our sounds and oceans.

Source: Nature Guide to the Carolina Coast, by Peter Meyer, 1998.

Bluffton launches initiatives to clean up the May River

(Editor's note: The following media advisory was issued by the Town Of Bluffton, S.C.)

The May River's problems -- from water pollution to oyster bed closures – are often in the news these days. What you aren't hearing about are the solutions. The Town of Bluffton, in partnership with surrounding Beaufort County, has started an environmental awareness initiative, called "Neighbors for Clean Water."

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May River sandbar + dog poop = bad

Revelers who let their dogs do their duty at the popular May River sandbar could be ruining a good thing for everyone.

Read the Island Packet story here.

Wading and Diving – Birds in the Lowcountry Salt Marsh

A new exhibit has opened at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn. Curated by the museum, this exhibit focuses upon the life of birds in the Salt Marsh.

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Friends of the Rivers changes name to Port Royal Sound Foundation

The Friends of the Rivers board of directors announced it has approved a name change to the Port Royal Sound Foundation to be effective in May, 2011. The new name will more accurately reflect the board's expanded mission statement:

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Lowcountry Estuarium posts critter videos

Bob Bender, curator of the Lowcountry Estuarium in Port Royal, S.C., has begun to capture some of the antics of the critters in his care and posting the videos for everyone to enjoy. The first installment shows a stone crab enjoying a serving of live oyster. Go check it out.

See the Estuarium YouTube video here.