Estuaries, Marshes, Sloughs

Where the River Meets the Sea

Estuaries create one of the most diverse and productive ecosystems on the planet. Estuaries are tidally-influenced, providing ideal conditions for young aquatic species before they head out toward the open ocean. Many seabirds nest and hunt along estuaries. Along with providing a thriving habitat for wildlife, estuaries also offer protection from large storms by creating a natural barrier that absorbs large waves and prevents them from causing dangerous flooding.

Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center comprises a portion of the Yaquina River estuary, providing a safe haven for raptors and seabirds within its wetland areas.

Marshes are a type of wetland ecosystem where water covers the ground for long periods of time, and are dominated by herbaceous plants such as grasses, reeds, and sedges. A slough is an inland part of a bay, and is part of the estuary where freshwater flows from creeks and mixes with saltier water. Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center includes marshes and sloughs in its ecosystems.