The Tidal Mudflat

A tidal mudflat is a specific kind of wetland lyinf between the vegetated marsh and the water's edge that is alternately exposed and submerged by the rising and falling tides. A tidal mudflat can cover huge areas or be just a narrow strip of mud, such as along the river here. Tidal mudflats are rich with life. A double handful of mud can hold an estimated 40,000 living organisms. Most of these are microscopic, but many types of tiny animals are visible, such as mussels, snails, worms, clams, and shrimp. Many of these animals burrow into the mud, which protects them from water movement, enemies, and from drying out. The more visible mud creatures feed on the microscopic ones and are in turn eaten by birds and mammals. When the tide is out, the mud-probing shorebirds and ducks flock to the mud looking for mudflat organisms.

Tour text from "Self Guided Tour of Shollenberger Park" available on site.