This was my first time ever visiting Randall’s Island Park. It is an amazing place to visit and enjoy the scenery. It is only a short drive and bus ride away. This is an great destination to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. My overall impression of the environment is that there is a lot of sustainability happening within the island. From the huge growing urban farms to the coastline restoration project to the salt marshes.

It was very interesting to learn the different ways that people are making changes to adapt to more environmental friendly methods. A salt marsh is a type of wetland found next to salty water bodies. The salt marshes found on Randall’s Island have tide flow into and out from the Harlem River, which feeds into the New York Harbor. There are two low tides and two high tides, where it floods the marshes. daily. With extremely high rates of photosynthesis, salt marshes are one of the most productive natural systems on the planet. The salt marshes are one way the park is using its resources to help facilitate dynamic habitat with distinct zones. There are different zones in the salt marsh due to the elevation in relation to the tides. Incorporating different plants used to build salt marshes based on their tolerances to salt water. This creates a unique ecosystem with specialized plants and animals that can survive in salt water.  Some plants found in the salt marshes are cordgrass and salt meadow hay. These plants help stabilize the soil and reduce runoff. I have reached out to Randall’s Island Park Alliance Office through email and have yet to receive a response.