Series: Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network Species Spotlight

Learn more about species that call national parks within the Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network (NCBN) home!

  • Assateague Island National Seashore

    Article 1: Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network Species Spotlight: Peregrine Falcon

    A peregrine falcon spreads its wings and takes flight off a sandy beach.

    The fall migration of peregrine falcons through Assateague Island National Seashore provides scientists with an ideal location to conduct long-term research on these birds of prey, the fastest bird on earth. The study looks at natural history aspects of peregrines, including global contaminant issues, emerging pathogens and genetics, and is now one of the longest-running studies of peregrine falcons in the Americas. Read more

  • Cape Cod National Seashore

    Article 2: Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network Species Spotlight: Eelgrass

    Blades of eelgrass soak up the sun under the surface of the water.

    Under the surface of coastal waters of the Northeast lies submerged cities of eelgrass that provide a home and protection for a diverse community of wildlife. Distribution and abundance of this aquatic plant is monitored in selected areas of NCBN parks due to its vulnerability to degraded environmental conditions such as pollution and rising water temperature. Read more

  • Fire Island National Seashore

    Article 3: Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network Species Spotlight: Eastern Mud Turtle

    An turtle hides inside its shell atop a bed of dry pine needles.

    Uncommon to the northeast United States, the Eastern mud turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum) has found shelter in the wetlands of Fire Island, NY. Through preserving lands that support amphibian and reptile diversity and continued monitoring, Fire Island National Seashore continues to play a roll in protecting this species under pressures of human development, habitat fragmentation, and pollution. Read more

  • Gateway National Recreation Area

    Article 4: Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network Species Spotlight: Atlantic Horseshoe Crab

    Atlantic horseshoe crabs converge on a beach to breed at dusk.

    Every spring, crabs with prehistoric origin congregate on the shorelines and shallows of Gateway National Recreation Area. The Atlantic horseshoe crab was made famous when scientists discovered its blood contained blood-clotting capabilities, and over-harvesting soon began. Climate change, sea-level rise, and human development of shorelines have created additional stress on the crabs. Annual monitoring surveys are conducted to ensure the well-being of their populations. Read more

  • Colonial National Historical Park

    Article 5: Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network Species Spotlight: Bald Eagle

    A bald eagle prepares to land in it’s nest high atop a pine at Colonial National Historical Park

    The bald eagle, America's national symbol, has recovered from the brink of extinction after decades of pesticide poisoning diminishing their populations. Now, on the banks of the Chesapeake Bay, bald eagle populations have bounced back. Nesting at Colonial National Historical Park, the bald eagle population continues to be monitored by biologists from various organizations to ensure that the population remains healthy and thriving in the face of human development. Read more

Tags: northeast coastal and barrier network ncbn species spotlight inventory and monitoring division colonial national historical park colo cape cod national seashore caco fire island national seashore fiis gateway national recreation area gate assateague island national seashore asis