|
CRITICAL CAPE COD HABITATS
Coastal Plain Ponds
 The
largest concentration of coastal plain ponds in New England
occurs on Cape Cod. They are shallow bodies of freshwater
and are frequently found near Pine-Oak Woodlands. Fed by groundwater
without inlets or outlets they experience variable water elevation.
When the water level is low the coastal plain pond shore is
present. This area is a habitat to a complex array of rare
plants. When the water level increases the plant growth is
then inhibited.
This delicate ecosystem is very sensitive to
human influence. Just walking on the shore can damage the
plants. Septic tanks that become overloaded introduce other
plants that are characteristic of high nutrient conditions
that phase out the endemic plants. Increased bird population
due to human influence also contributes to the nutrient increase
with their excrement. Coastal Plain Ponds are also threatened
by water drawdowns and intensive recreational use.
A protected Coastal Plain Pond would be:
Ashumet
Pond Sanctuary: 35 acres located in Mashpee.
Protected in 2000.
Plants that are protected in this habitat:
- Slender arrowhead
- Narrow leaf goldenrod
- Golden hedge sundews
- State protected Plymouth Gentian
- Creeping St. John's-wort
photos copyright ©Farley Lewis
top
of page
| Orenda
| Wildlife
| Land
| Trust
|
|
