Marshland, Gloucester, Massachusetts

© Thomas H. Mitchell/Getty Image

Like paint on a canvas. Marshland, Gloucester, MA

Lit by bright New England sunshine, this salt marsh shows a strong contrast of color between the sea water and the salt-tolerant grass that grows there. Salt marshes serve as a major contributor to the aquatic food web and a nursery for wildlife, both terrestrial and aquatic.

These marshes are located in Gloucester, Massachusetts, America’s oldest seaport. Tourists frequenting this tranquil summer vacation spot enjoy freshly caught delicious seafood, stunning beaches, marshes, museums, and boating. Though Gloucester may have a sleepy, small-town feel, it’s only 45 minutes away from the bustling state capital city of Boston. Oh, and it’s pronounced “glosster” unless you’re from Massachusetts—then it’s “glosstah.”