Savannah is a very rich and diverse environment regarding the species and range of habitats. These areas are sustained by our subtropical climate and access to the water which also provides its own unique environment. Savannah’s reputation for being a port city provides the insinuation of access to ecosystems such as wetlands, rivers, streams, the Atlantic ocean, etc. Wetlands in particular including marshes, bogs, and swamps, comprise 358,000 acres of land along Georgia’s coastline and are quite prevalent here (100 Miles, n.d). Marshes are a type of shallow water wetland that
are the predominant type of wetland found in Savannah due to the quantity of shallow water access points stemming from the ocean. These access points can be found continuously throughout the barrier island's including Skidaway, Whitemarsh, Wilmington, and Tybee Island. These areas are prone to flooding because of the seasonal rains and natural disasters such as hurricanes which increases precipitation and water levels. Wetlands help to reduce water damage by acting as an intermediary body where the ground, because of its soil composition, acts as a “sponge” to soak up excess water. The unique soil composition of these lowlands also helps to spread nutrients throughout the incoming water which benefits the native and invasive flora and fauna. Several species including a multitude of different wading birds build their habitats in
Savannah’s marshes and rely on these ecosystems for shelter and food. This is why the conservation of wetlands is so important and many invasive species such as blue-green algae, cyanobacteria, are threatening these nutrient rich environments. There are a multitude of conservation projects such as the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service along with the Tybee Island National Wildlife Refuge that target different problems that are appearing along our coastline. While these problems continue to arise due to global warming, rising sea levels, rising levels of pollution, and invasive species, we must take the time to consider the instrumental knowledge that is imperative to their survival of our surrounding ecosystems.
Savannah’s Stats
Location: Savannah is a port city in southeast Georgia along the Atlantic Ocean
Historical Monuments: Fort Pulaski, Battlefield Park, Exchange Bell, Casimir Pulaski Monument, James Oglethorpe Monument, etc.
Population: 145,674
Climate: Subtropical
Elevation: 49 feet above sea level
Ecosystems: Savannah is host to numerous environments including wetlands, marine habitats, forests, grasslands, urban sprawls, etc.
Native Species Pertaining to Marine Habitats: Purple Gallinule, American Alligator, Wood ducks, Anhinga, along with multiple species of migratory birds and fish
Average Precipitation: Ranges from 2.4” in November to 6.6” in August
Fun facts about our city:
Was dubbed “America’s First Planned City” when settled in 1733
Girl Scout Cookies was developed here by Juliette Gordon Low
Oldest city in the state of Georgia
Was home to the sailing competitions during the 1996 Summer Olympics
Parts of the 1994 movie Forrest Gump were filmed here including the infamous bench scene where the character portrayed by Tom Hanks states that “life is like a box of chocolates.”
Because of its location on the Savannah River, Savannah is an important port city
Savannah was actually a Christmas gift to past President Abraham Lincoln in the Civil War
Savannah is home to the first African-American church in the United States; First African Baptist Church
Savannah is America’s most haunted city and Moon River Brewing Company is considered to be its most haunted site
Congregation Mickve Israel, located on Gordon Street, is the third oldest synagogue in the United States
If you have further questions please feel free to contact me via email or defer to the following websites for more information!!
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/savannah/
Tybee Island National Wildlife Refuge: https://www.stateparks.com/tybee_national_wildlife_refuge_in_georgia.html
Comments