The Chesapeake Bay Ecosystem

The Chesapeake Bay Ecosystem. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. , Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is part of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. This refuge encompasses two rivers which share its name. The Little Blackwater flows into the Blackwater River south of the refuge Observation Site. The Blackwater River then empties into Fishing Bay, and arm of the Chesapeake., Formed by Glacier , The Chesapeake Bay was formed some 15,000 years ago---when ice caps melted and sea levels rose, flooding the Susquehanna River basin., Today, the Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in North America. This area, where fresh and salt water meet and mix, is home to abundant populations of microorganisms, fish, crabs, oysters and clams. Many types of fish and shellfish use the marshes and tributaries as nursery grounds for their young. These areas provide nutrients carried in by the tide, as well as protection from predators., A Vital Piece of the Puzzle , At one time, the shallow Chesapeake Bay was protected by forests that covered most of its watershed. Development spurred the clearing of trees and increased use of pesticides and other chemicals. The result erosion and flooding have dramatically impacted the Bay and its many inhabitants., The wetlands of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge are vital to the health of the Bay. Their plants trap settlements and filter runoff that flows into the estuary, soaking up excess nutrients, toxins, and heavy metals. It is more important than ever to protect our valuable wetlands.