A small cluster of ripe wild strawberries peeks out from among the rocky terrain of Tidal Inlet in Glacier Bay National Park, their bright red fruits contrasting vividly with the gray stones and green foliage. These hardy, low-growing plants are well adapted to the challenging coastal environment, with deep roots that anchor them in thin soils and help them tolerate salty spray and cold temperatures. Wild strawberries provide an important food source for birds, small mammals, and even bears, while their flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and flies. As one of the first plants to colonize disturbed or glacially influenced areas, they also play a role in stabilizing soil and creating conditions for other vegetation to take hold, making them a vital part of Glacier Bay’s dynamic coastal ecosystems. AND—people love them too! I can’t get enough of them and our family picks gallons of them that we freeze and enjoy throughout the year. Photographer: Sean Neilson