Take the nature trail at Sagamore Hill to Eel Creek, a natural salt marsh that formed on the north shore of Long Island. Eel Creek is home to many flora and fauna including parenes, eagrets, crabs, mollusks, and dune grasses. Dune grass is extremely important to the coastal ecosystem, as it builds up dunes which defend the shoreline. The various grasses of Eel Creek include American Beachgrass, sea oats, and cordgrass. And they act as anchors for the sand so it stays in place and gradually builds. In turn, these dunes protect the inner areas of the shoreline from harsh winds and large waves, protecting both the marshes and preventing erosion of the shoreline. These inner marsh areas are natural habitats for filler crabs, blue crabs, mussels, algae, and shorebirds, including grape blue harns, great eagrets, as well as oscarine. Though dune grass is durable enough to survive in harsh environments of heavy waves, salt water, and glaring sunlight, it is very susceptible to human and animal impact. It takes decades to form, but little time to destroy. If social trails are formed beyond barriers harming the dune grass, the shoreline will rise and habitats will be displaced. It is therefore very important to pay attention to signs signaling where to walk and keep all dogs or leashes to protect dune grass habitat. Next time you visit eel creek, enjoy the splendor of the marsh, but do your part in protecting its esteemed eagre ducks.