chloepqualls
Chesapeake Bay Wetland
This wetland connected to the Chesapeake Bay watershed provides many ecosystem services that benefit the climate, human life, and the organisms that live there. Marine ecosystems are important to restore and maintain, which is the focus of Sustainable Development Goal #14.
This picture was taken at Terrapin Nature Park, which has hiking trails and beach fronts for recreational enjoyment, but also works to conserve natural spaces and resources for the good of the environment. On September 6, my roommates and I ventured to Terrapin Nature Park to get out of our apartment and enjoy nature. We all have online classes this semester, so especially now, it's important for our physical and mental health to get outside. The park provides a space for people to stay socially distant while enjoying normal activities. On our walk I saw this wetland, along with a podium on the side of the trail, explaining that this site is one of many areas part of the Chesapeake Bay Oyster Management Plan.
The plan is a collaborative effort between Maryland representatives, federal agencies, schools, environmental organizations, and the oyster industry. It's goal is to rebuild the oyster population and it "includes programs that will enable oysters to reproduce and thrive on their own" (Terrapin Nature Park). Oysters are an essential part of marine ecosystems because they filter water (up to 50 gallons per day), which rids the water of contaminants and creates a better habitat for organisms in the wetland (Chesapeake Bay Program). The species of oyster that inhabits the Chesapeake Bay watershed is the 'Eastern Oyster" (Crassostrea virginica) -- it's population has declined over the last 200 years due to many factors, such as overfishing and habitat loss. Creation of collaborative plans, like the Chesapeake Bay Oyster Plan, are encouraged by SDG #14 because they will help to conserve and sustainably maintain marine ecosystems.
Other organisms seen in this photo, such as tall grass, trees, and insects, also help maintain wetland/environment health. Vegetation allows for healthy and efficient soil, while also cooling the ground and atmosphere around it (due to transpiration and high albedo). The rich biodiversity and lack of pollution within this ecosystem means humans can continue to sustainably use the natural resources it provides, such as food and medicine. By maintaining this wetland and the oyster population within it, Terrapin Nature Park is helping the world meet Sustainable Development Goal #14.
Sources:
Terrapin Nature Park. Oysters and Water Quality. (podium).
Chesapeake Bay Program. Eastern Oysters. www.chesapeakebay.net/S=0/fieldguide/critter/eastern_oyster
Chesapeake Bay Wetland
This wetland connected to the Chesapeake Bay watershed provides many ecosystem services that benefit the climate, human life, and the organisms that live there. Marine ecosystems are important to restore and maintain, which is the focus of Sustainable Development Goal #14.
This picture was taken at Terrapin Nature Park, which has hiking trails and beach fronts for recreational enjoyment, but also works to conserve natural spaces and resources for the good of the environment. On September 6, my roommates and I ventured to Terrapin Nature Park to get out of our apartment and enjoy nature. We all have online classes this semester, so especially now, it's important for our physical and mental health to get outside. The park provides a space for people to stay socially distant while enjoying normal activities. On our walk I saw this wetland, along with a podium on the side of the trail, explaining that this site is one of many areas part of the Chesapeake Bay Oyster Management Plan.
The plan is a collaborative effort between Maryland representatives, federal agencies, schools, environmental organizations, and the oyster industry. It's goal is to rebuild the oyster population and it "includes programs that will enable oysters to reproduce and thrive on their own" (Terrapin Nature Park). Oysters are an essential part of marine ecosystems because they filter water (up to 50 gallons per day), which rids the water of contaminants and creates a better habitat for organisms in the wetland (Chesapeake Bay Program). The species of oyster that inhabits the Chesapeake Bay watershed is the 'Eastern Oyster" (Crassostrea virginica) -- it's population has declined over the last 200 years due to many factors, such as overfishing and habitat loss. Creation of collaborative plans, like the Chesapeake Bay Oyster Plan, are encouraged by SDG #14 because they will help to conserve and sustainably maintain marine ecosystems.
Other organisms seen in this photo, such as tall grass, trees, and insects, also help maintain wetland/environment health. Vegetation allows for healthy and efficient soil, while also cooling the ground and atmosphere around it (due to transpiration and high albedo). The rich biodiversity and lack of pollution within this ecosystem means humans can continue to sustainably use the natural resources it provides, such as food and medicine. By maintaining this wetland and the oyster population within it, Terrapin Nature Park is helping the world meet Sustainable Development Goal #14.
Sources:
Terrapin Nature Park. Oysters and Water Quality. (podium).
Chesapeake Bay Program. Eastern Oysters. www.chesapeakebay.net/S=0/fieldguide/critter/eastern_oyster