Conclusion

            Overall, this has been a really enriching experience.  Although I didn’t see that many animals per se, it was interesting for me to look for signs of them.  I mainly chose an estuary to carry out my field study because I felt it would have the most diverse set of organisms.  I also wanted to observe a place that would have a lot of fowl because I used to bird watch with my grandmother.

            I might’ve looked for a more diverse region for my field study.  I had chosen a region that was relatively close to the parking lot.  However, I did not want to hike out further than I had to since I was already making a 40 minute drive round-trip to reach my field study site.  I collected my data for the abiotic and biotic factors relatively close to each other (within 2 weekends).  The majority of my measurements for the plants and wildlife had to be estimated since the animals were constantly in motion and did not appreciate me even being within their territory and many of the plants were aquatic and not feasible for me to actually measure as they were below water. 

            The site as a whole remains at a cool temperature between 68-73 degrees Fahrenheit with no water flow.  All organisms have no trouble existing in these conditions.  The clear sky also allows for maximum photosynthesis as plants will have no barrier between their leaves and the sun.  The soil switches between dry and moist depending on precipitation levels.  Due to the plants living in a saline environment, they are apt at dealing with both conditions.   Wind can be a problem as it erodes soil, however, plants, such as pickleweed, help anchor the soil and prevent erosion and overall soil degradation.  The lake’s lack of flow or current can lead to eutrophication, however, the salt and cord grasses combined with other bushes and pickleweed help buffer and divert any pollutants that could enter the stagnant water.

            Since this field site does contain part of the hiking trail, it is inevitable that humans have affected this region.  Futhermore, the Baylands Nature Preserve is literally right next to the Palo Alto airport.  Small 4-person planes are constantly flying overhead.  While the noise does not really seem to disturb the animals as they have become used to it, the exhaust from the gasoline needed to power the planes could inhibit plant growth and pollute freshwater sources.  Humans also litter quite frequently.  From harmless orange peels and apricot cores to cigarettes and paper wrappers these are unnecessary and unwelcome additions to an organism’s habitat.  While the fruit will eventually decompose and provide more nutrients to the soil, the cigarette butts and other non-biodegradable items could be accidently consumed. 
            Surprisingly, the region of my field study stayed the same throughout my observation time period.  Since there was little rainfall, the lake that existed in my field study receded rather than increasing in size.  The region was also a lot more colorful in the autumn due to the pickleweed.  With the receding water, the pickleweed did not absorb as much salt and were merely green in color instead of their usual red tips.  Overall, drought is causing more organisms, especially plants to die in this biome.