Editing Ormond-by-the-Sea, Florida (section)

==Ecology==
Though most of Ormond-by-the-Sea is little more than a half-mile wide, it supports no fewer than six distinct ecological zones. The beach, or tidal zone, features distinctive reddish-colored sand created by crushed [[coquina]] shells. Here may be found [[Emerita (crustacean)|sand fleas]] and [[ghost crab]]s, as well as a variety of coastal birds including plovers, stilts, avocets, terns, and gulls. Just above the tide line, several species of sea turtles are known to lay their eggs, including the [[leatherback turtle|leatherback]], [[Loggerhead sea turtle|Atlantic loggerhead]], and [[green turtle]].

Immediately inland is the Temperate Beach Dune, a "pioneer zone" of vegetation growing along the primary dunes. Species of note include [[uniola paniculata|sea oats]], [[Ipomoea pes-caprae|beach morning glory]], and beach sunflower.

Slightly inland from the primary dunes is the Coastal Strand, a shrubby area dominated by [[Serenoa|saw palmetto]], Spanish bayonet, [[Opuntia|prickly pear cactus]], and [[Smilax|greenbrier vines]]. The Coastal Strand frequently overlaps with nearby sand ridges featuring [[Florida scrub]] plant communities, including scrub live oaks, slash pine, and Florida's state tree, the [[Sabal palmetto|sabal palm]] (often called a "cabbage palm"). Species of note include the Florida scrub jay and the endangered [[Gopherus|gopher tortoise]].

Close to the Halifax River, the soil is more moist and supports Maritime Hammock species, including [[live oak]]s, magnolias, American holly, red cedars and coontie ferns. In many areas, [[Schinus terebinthifolius|Brazilian pepper trees]], an invasive exotic species, may also be seen growing.

The river's edge features many plants associated with tidal marshes, including salt marsh cordgrass, needle rush and mangroves. Oysters and [[Callinectes sapidus|blue crabs]] are common in the shallow waters, as are a variety of wading birds including egrets and herons.