Georgia’s Barrier Islands & Reefs

Georgia’s Barrier Islands & Reefs How do the habitats of Georgia impact the organisms that live there?

Where are the Barrier Islands and Reefs of Georgia? • This region borders the Atlantic Ocean. • The coastline is over 100 miles long. • Along Georgia’s coast are barrier islands. • Gray’s Reef is the largest near-shore live bottom reef. Barrier Islands & Reefs

Characteristics of Georgia’s Barrier Islands and Reefs • There are eight groups of islands. • Most islands are not developed. • The islands protect the salt water marshes.

Characteristics of Georgia’sBarrier Islands and Reefs Maritime forests have live oak trees. Moss and ferns also grow these forests. It’s home to many other plants and animals.

Characteristics of Georgia’sBarrier Islands and Reefs This habitat includes salt water marshes, which lie at the edge of the ocean and is home to many animals.

Characteristics of Georgia’sBarrier Islands and Reefs The sand dunes at the beach are covered with plants that can tolerate salt and grow in the sand.

Characteristics of Georgia’sBarrier Islands and Reefs On the sandy beaches you can find many birds, such as gulls searching for food. Many sea turtles come to the beach to lay their eggs.

Characteristics of Georgia’sBarrier Islands and Reefs Offshore, there are many ocean plants and animals. Reefs can be found in the waters offshore.

Characteristics of Georgia’sBarrier Islands and Reefs Reefs are homes to many soft corals, sponges and fish off the coast of Georgia. Gray’s Reef is the largest one in the area.

Mammals of Georgia’sBarrier Islands and Reefs Right Whale Manatee Bottlenose Dolphins Round-Tailed Muskrat

Fish of Georgia’sBarrier Islands and Reefs Bay Anchovy Atlantic Menhaden Ladyfish Sea Trout Atlantic Stingray Black Drum Sheepshead Tarpon

Birds of Georgia’sBarrier Islands and Reefs Fish Crow Piping Plover Osprey Laughing Gull Black Skimmer Painted Bunting American Oyster Catcher

Reptiles of Georgia’sBarrier Islands and Reefs Leather Back Sea Turtle Island Glass Lizard Loggerhead Sea Turtle Rainbow Snake

Trees of Georgia’sBarrier Islands and Reefs Laurel Oak Palmetto Palm Live Oak Yaupon Holly Loblolly Bay Southern Red Oak

Shrubs of Georgia’sBarrier Islands and Reefs Summersweet Clethra Small Anise Dwarf Palmetto Gallberry Honeycup Groundsel Bush

Other Common Plants of Georgia’s Barrier Islands and Reefs Sea Oats Morning Glories Cord Grass Pennywort

Georgia’s Barrier Islands & Reefs