Many wetland units are connected by water control structure and pipes, so that water can be moved between units at different times of the year. Moist soil units—low open areas surrounded by dikes—are filled with water in the fall and drained in the spring to provide feeding and resting areas for waterfowl and shorebirds.

Marshes—swampy areas of lush vegetation interspersed with pockets of shallow open water—are ideal homes for ducks, geese, and other waterbirds. Some marshes are flooded and periodically drained to encourage plant development.

Other land management practices include tree planting, beaver dam removal, mowing and burning, and the monitoring and treatment of invasive plants.