Georgica Pond Preserve Trail & Species

Callinectes sapidus

The scientific name for blue crabs is Callinectes sapidus, which translates to “beautiful savory swimmer.” Female blue crabs mate only once in their lives, releasing more than 2 million eggs per brood.

Sternula antillarum

The smallest of the North American Terns, the Least Tern nests on sandy beaches along the coastal US. Adult Least Terns defend their nest from intruders by dive bombing the intruder. Their nickname is called “little striker.”

Chelydra serpentina

Despite being a fresh water species, the snapping turtle can tolerate brackish water such as at Georgica Pond. “Snappers” can be easily seen coming up for air at the pond. They rarely bask like other turtles. If encountered, do not provoke them, their bite can break bones.

Morone americana

White Perch are semi-anadromous, they can be seen migrating to tidal water and brackish water. Despite the name, White Perch are part of the wider Bass family, not the Perch family. Close relatives include the white bass and striped bass.

Lathyrus japonicus

Beach pea is a coastal plant, found on sandy beaches, dunes and upper gravel beaches. The seed pods turn black when ripe, and can cause paralysis, known as lathyrism, if eaten in large quantities.

Cyanobacteria

The pond has experienced toxic blue-green algae blooms, low oxygen levels, and fish kills. Efforts to protect against future blooms focus on reducing nitrogen levels in the pond, and more frequently opening the connection of the pond to the ocean to increase salinity.

Phragmites australis

This non-native species is highly invasive and detrimental to the pond. Controlling it can increase the diversity of native plants, which provides habitat for native fauna.

Spartina patens

Spartina pectinata

Spartina alterniflora

All three grasses serve as pollution filters and buffers against flooding and shoreline erosion. S. patens can be found in high marsh zones. S. pectinata can tolerate water but not prolonged flooding. S. alterniflora is usually restricted to the water’s edge.

Stuckenia pectinata

Sago pondweed is an extremely important aquatic plant in lakes and ponds because of its nutritional value as a food source for birds, including waterfowl, marsh birds, and shorebirds.

Hibiscus moscheutos

Swamp rose mallow produces white flowers with a tinge of burgundy color. It blooms in August and September. Each bloom lasts only a day. At the peak of bloom, a large plant can produce 20 or more flowers per day.