TIDAL SWAMPMangrove Forest Black and white mangroves line the border of Whiskey Creek. Look for red mangroves along the Intracoastal. Mangroves host young fish and crustaceans and provide both food and shelter for popular fish and birds such as snapper, snook, osprey and ibis. New land forms as mud and silt combine around roots.

COASTAL MARINE HABITATBeach & Fore Dune

The beach and fore dune are the primary nesting habitat for shore birds and marine turtles. Shifts in the sand, wind, saltwater flooding, salt spray and intense heat limit vegetation to hardy plants able to thrive with little nutrients. Vegetation stabilizes the sand. Walking or trampling over vegetation is a major threat.

TIDAL CREEKEstuarine Unconsolidated SubstrateThe loosely formed mud, sand and shell bottom of Whiskey Creek provides an important habitat for invertebrates and bottom feeding fish. While more protected than the seashore, environmental fluctuations or extremely high tides can destroy many animals. The creek serves as a nursery for young fish. Manatees, looking for warm and calm water, are often observed at high tide.

COASTAL HAMMOCKMaritime Hammock / Maritime ForestThe dense canopy of the coastal tropical hammock minimizes temperature fluctuations by protecting the land from the harsh sun and reducing loss of heat at night. This hardwood hammock houses poisonwood, wild coffee, sea grape, live oak and saw palmetto. Invasive exotic Australian pine and Brazilian pepper are regularly removed.

Sources:

Tidal Swampphoto: Lisa Magilltext: John U. Lloyd Beach State Park Land Management Plan Amendment, June 2011

Coastal Marine Habitatphoto Lisa Magilltext John U. Lloyd Beach State Park Land Management Plan Amendment, June 2011

Tidal Creekphoto Lisa Magilltext John U. Lloyd Beach State Park Land Management Plan Amendment, June 2011

Coastal Hammock photo Lisa Magilltext John U. Lloyd Beach State Park Land Management Plan Amendment, June 2011