What is an Estuary?

It's often said that an Estuary is the "nursery of the ocean". Mosquito Lagoon (part of the Indian River lagoon) is 28 miles long and covers 36,000 acres! The water in this part of the estuary is typically as salty as the ocean. There are believed to be over 4,200 species that call this estuary home or visit as part of their life cycle.

This area used to be a salt marsh, but over the past 50 years, 3 types of Mangrove trees have migrated north as the climate warmed. The most plentiful on the edge are Red Mangroves, easily identified by their root system that appears that the tree is "walking" with a red tint to the bark. There are fewer White Mangroves - their leaves are lighter in color and they have a dimple at the top. If you look at the photo, you'll see leaves that are lighter on some Mangroves. Black Mangroves typically are found a few feet off the water. Their root systems are connected to the "sticks in the mud" that grow up to allow air to get to the plant (see photo).