The Wrack

The wrack is an "ecological treasure trove" as well as a thorny beach management issue. At the reserve's Laudholm Beach, take the time to look at the wrack community and appreciate its unique contribution to a complex environment.

Jennifer Dijkstra was always going to be a scientist. As a child summering on Grand Manan, she clambered over the islands rocky shoreline grabbing fistfuls of seaweed and peering into shallow waters to spy on crabs and snails. This summer shes been doing the same thing, but with three degrees of separation (BS, MS, and PhD), she now calls her objects of interest Ascophyllum, Carcinus, and Littorina.

For many budding biologists, the journey from tide pool playground to salt marsh research transect stops short. For Dr. Dijkstra, research scientist at the Wells Reserve, the dream came true.