USFWS - MNWR photo
USFWS - MNWR photo
Marshes develop in any low spot that can hold water long enough for herbaceous (soft stemmed) water-loving plants to grow. They are typically lined with highly organic muck or clay that holds in the water. Marshes can form along rivers, steams, lakes, and oceans and can vary in depth from a few inches to 5 or 6 feet. Natural marshes receive water from the ground, ocean, streams, rivers and lakes. The inflow of water has many nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous and oxygen which fertilizes and enhances the wetland. The high nutrient levels make marshes one of the most valuable habitats in the world. They support thousands of ducks by giving them a place to rest, nest and feed. Marshes can be found in both freshwater (non-tidal) or saltwater (tidal) areas.
USFWS/MNWR photo: Maeve Taylor
This red fox is just one of the predators that are commonly found in marshes.
There are many types of marshes including vernal pools, prairie potholes, sloughs, beaver ponds, and many more.