Nahant Marsh
Nahant Marsh is a unique ecosystem that is home to many plants and animals. Let's go on a virtual trip to Davenport, Iowa and explore the marsh.
Davenport's Nahant Marsh
Marsh areas used to be common along the Mississippi, Missouri and other rivers in Iowa. Over time these areas were largely filled in to be used for farmland. This makes Nahant Marsh in Davenport a very unique ecosystem in Iowa. What unique plants and animals might call Nahant Marsh home?
Question
Why do you think many other marshes in Iowa have been filled in?
Bats
Nahant Marsh is full of life. During the day you can see, hear and smell a wide variety of creatures. When the sun goes down, a whole new community of animals come out. You guessed it! Bats. Check out how naturalists keep track of which bats live at Nahant Marsh.
Question
Why might bats be an important part of an ecosystem?
Turtle Tracking
Nahant Marsh is home to a very special kind of turtle, the Blanding's turtle. What makes these turtles so special? Check out how the naturalists at Nahant Marsh keep track and teach us about these amphibians.
Question
Why might it be important to protect Iowa’s endangered species?
Pond Creatures
The water at Nahant Marsh is home to a wide variety of fish, insects, other animals and plants. Check out some of the unique creatures that can be found! What might you be able to find near you if you stopped and looked closely?
Question
What might you notice if you took a close look at a pond or grassy area near where you live?
Goldenrod
Goldenrod is a very important plant for a lot of different insects that can be found at Nahant Marsh. In what unique ways do insects rely on this plant?
Question
What unexpected types of life might be right outside your window?
Interpreting Bat Sounds
Bats don't see with their eyes. Instead, they use echolocation, which uses sound waves to help them sense the world around them. Each species of bat has a unique sound that they use for this purpose.
