All plants and animals that live in the Chesapeake Bay region have specific needs that must be met in order for them to live here. An area has to have the right combination of food, light, temperature, water, nutrients, shelter and other necessities to be good habitat.
Forests support a variety of species from insects to birds and mammals.
For example, eagles prefer sturdy branches of tall trees in quiet areas to nest. But, broken twigs and leaves from trees can fall to the ground creating habitats for small animals and insects. Wetlands , subject to periodic flooding or prolonged saturation, are quite diverse depending on their location. Wetland types include marshes, swamps, bogs and other areas that link land and water. Streams and rivers provide excellent habitat and spawning areas for many fish species.