Critical Habitats of Cape Cod

Despite centuries of human intervention, Cape Cod continues to support a rich variety of natural habitats. Among these natural habitats are many that are threatened by development, pollution and other impacts of human presence.

We can divide these critical habitats loosely into the three categories of Fresh Water System, Coastal/Marine Systems, and Upland Systems. Examples of each of the general categories are pictured below. Select an image for a description of that particular habitat.

All habitat types and descriptions are based on More than Sandy Beaches, published by the Association for the Preservation of Cape Cod.

Freshwater Systems
Quaking Bogs	Sphagnum Bogs	Cedar Swamps

Coastal/Marine Systems
Coastal Plain Ponds	Vernal Pools	Anadromous Fish Runs

Salt Marshes	Shellfish Habitats	Coastal Salt Ponds

Upland Systems
Major Dune Systems	Barrier Beaches

Critical Woodland Communities	Pitch Pine/Scrub Oak Barrens	Sandplain Grasslands

Heathlands	Grassy Heaths

©Woods Hole Research Center, 2005