Source: Nadia Ramlagan, NC PUBLIC NEWS SERVICE, 1/31/22


Fins surfaced in the tidal creek, drawing Matt Wright's attention away from the boat in the growing dusk. The 48-year-old Illinois resident was on his first tour of a salt marsh when dolphins appeared around the vessel, gently swimming through the estuary as shadows advanced across the tideland. Brilliant green spartina grass stood in the marsh mud, contrasting sharply with the dark water. The red-orange sun sank lower on the horizon, refracting light through the tall grass. It's a peaceful image Wright still can't get out of his head, months after seeing the spectacular landscape that day.

For more of this story, click here.