Introduction

The Quinnipiac River marshes represent a significant local and state resource. Covering an area of about 913 acres, it is the third largest tidal marsh complex in Connecticut and includes salt and brackish marshes, mudflats, and wooded areas. These areas provide habitat for a surprising diversity of wildlife given the predominantly urban surroundings. For example, over half of the bird species listed as endangered, threatened, or of special concern in Connecticut have been observed in the marsh.In addition to providing wildlife habitat, tidal marshes also cycle and filter excess nutrients and pollutants from the surrounding landscape and absorb water and energy from storm surges.

Given the urban setting in which it lies, the Quinnipiac River marshes provide important ecological functions in the landscape. Successful management and conservation of the Quinnipiac River marshes depends on understanding how their various components interact to perform these functions.

Using the vegetation maps and data presented here, we are conducting landscape structure analyses to understand patch structure and how it relates to habitat quality and impacts from surrounding land uses.

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