The Anahuac Marsh and prairie potholes consist of around 350,000 acres of largely undeveloped wetlands, situated on the east side of Trinity Bay and the north side of East Bay. It contains the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge and borders the McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge to the east. Ecology: Coastal prairie wetlands, marshes, and tidal wetlands make up the ecologically diverse Anahuac Coastal Marsh and Prairies. Much like the Katy Prairie, the coastal prairie wetlands contain “potholes”, which are shallow dish-shaped depressions, and small knolls known as “pimple” mounds. Wildlife Plants: Because the Anahuac Coastal Marsh and Prairies include such a wide range of ecosystems, a range of plant life flourishes here. Cordgrasses of the Spartina genus are the most prominent salt marsh vegetation. In the high marsh, saltmeadow cordgrass may be most common, and in the lower marsh, saltmarsh cordgrass is more common. Saltmarsh bulrush, saltgrass and needlegrass rush are among other species common to this area. Animals: Anahuac Coastal Marsh and Prairies and the nearby ecosystems are home to the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, and are world-renowned for birdwatching, particularly hawks. Migratory species that travel through Smith Point include birds, butterflies, and dragonflies. Alligators, nutria, wood storks, hermit crabs, waterfowl like the mottled duck, otters, eagles, coyotes, and rabbits also call this environment home. The rare Texas Diamondback Terrapin has also been seen in this area. Importance: The biodiversity supported by the Anahuac Coastal Marsh and Prairies is vital; without this ecosystem, thousands of bird species migrating in the spring and fall would not be able to rest on their journey. The tidal wetlands also support a vital oyster reef ecosystem, which provides the basis for the region’s marine food chain and promotes fishing industry in the region. In addition, the tidal wetlands serve as a natural defense against hurricanes and coastal floodwaters. Lastly, the vegetation in the wetlands serves as a natural filter for stormwater runoff traveling into Galveston Bay. Galveston Bay already experiences many water quality issues and a lack of natural filtration would exacerbate this. Threat: Tidal wetlands are under threat as human activity in the area grows and urban development inches closer. Moreover, industry use of the Houston Ship Channel poses a threat of oil and chemical spills, as well as dredging next to the marshes. Climate projections pose another threat and show the coastal areas surrounding Anahuac Coastal Marsh and Prairies are threatened by land subsidence and sea level rise which causes marshes to drown and be converted to open water. If climate change patterns continue, much of this area may be below water.