The
rivers of the Coastal Plain flow on to meet the coastal ocean waters in
the estuaries. The nutrient-rich, brackish estuarine waters make this
one of the most productive natural communities on Earth-a nursery that
nurtures the young of many sea animals, including 85% of our seafood species.
In the salt marshes, the wide prairies of Juncus and Spartina grasses
provide structure for meandering tidal creeks as they trap sediments.
Clams, snails, worms, fish, and crabs eat here and provide food for other
animals. In the open sounds, oyster reefs provide homes for more than
300 species of animals.
Endangered
red wolves were introduced into the Alligator River National Wildlife
Refuge in 1987 as part of the Red Wolf Species Survival Plan, and now
number approximately 83 individuals. See the Red
Wolves of Alligator River website for further information.
[Mountains] [Piedmont] [Sandhills] [Upper
Coastal Plain] [Lower Coastal Plain] [Barrier Islands]
[North Carolina's Natural Treasures Home]
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