Between the Tides: Salt Marsh Plant Ecology

Shannon Matzke, marine educator & public program coordinator, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant

This course introduces participants to the plants that define the salt marsh, their unique adaptations, and the ecological forces that shape this productive habitat. After a classroom overview of salt marsh formation, zonation, species diversity and conservation challenges, we will walk through the maritime forest to the salt marsh to observe plant communities up close. Along the way, we’ll practice plant identification, investigate ecological relationships and discover how coastal plants have supported both wildlife and human communities over time. Please note that this course is located outside of the Athens area.