Ponce Inlet is a town in Volusia County, Florida. Located on the southern tip of a beach peninsula, two major rivers, the Halifax River and Indian River North, as well as Spruce creek all drain here.

Freshwater flowing from these rivers mixes with the Pacific Ocean salt water to give rise to brackish water, and some of the most biologically rich environments of the United States. These mixed water conditions allow for habitats such as mangrove forests, estuaries, and lagoon to be homes for a myriad of organisms that have adapted to such mixed environments. Animal and plant identification was completed from either of the red start locations found on the maps to the right.

Large stretches of beach and dune landscapes define the perimeter of Ponce Inlet. Critical to the preservation, stabilization, and revitalization of these iconic beaches are sea oats (Uniola paniculata). Increasing development has threatened sea oat populations worldwide, but the damage is evident in Ponce Inlet. Human impacts threaten to disrupt not only sea , but the entire diversity of life found in Ponce Inlet.