South of this point, extending to the sea, are salt marsh plants such as salt meadow grass and black grass, which used to be harvested as salt hay for cows and horses. At least 19 species of birds nest along the river with over 100 different species being visible during times of migration. Over two-thirds of the commercially important fish and shellfish species spend at least part of their lives in the salt marsh. Mussels, quahogs, soft shell clams, sever crustaceans and various fish are some of the inhabitants. In the fresh water marsh are small shrimp, snails, tadpoles, and insect larvae.
Muskrats are the quintessential mammals of the marsh.
Look for mounded dens built out of reedy plants. Diverse Ecosystems Much of the trail winds through upland habitats beyond the river's edge. Here you will find different plants and animals adapted to different environmental conditions. Just west of Canaway Cove lie abandoned cranberry bogs. Cranberries have long been a symbol of Cape Cod.