Dunes stabilize the mounds of sand that protect the coast against winds and pounding tides. Florida beaches are important nesting sites for sea turtles and shore birds. A loss of beach habitat to real estate development has caused a decline in the nesting shore bird and sea turtle populations. Freshwater Marsh Sawgrass marsh with spatterdock, Water Conservation Area 3. Freshwater marshes are generally wetlands with an open expanse of grasses, sedges, rushes and other herbaceous plants, where standing water occurs for much of the year.
Marshes generally contain few if any trees and shrubs.
Marshes act as natural filters. As water passes over the marsh, water flow is reduced and suspended particles settle out. Animals found in the marsh can include fish, invertebrates, frogs, snakes, alligators, white-tailed deer, the Florida panther and other mammals. Many waterbirds and wading birds nest and forage in marshes as well. Wet prairie, Everglades National Park.