Marshes

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What's on this page
Where Marshes are Found
Marsh Characteristics
Vegetation
Wildlife

Marshes;

• Are the most productive type of wetland
• Are very rich in nutrients
• Contain emergent vegetation including cattails, rushes, reeds and sedges
• Are periodically or permanently covered by standing or slowly moving water

Where are Marshes Found?

Marshes are the most common type of wetland in North America. They are common along the edges of rivers, lakes, ponds, and the sea. Marshes can also be found in other low-lying areas.

 

Muskoka Heritage Areas classified as having a marsh:
Bala Bog Big East River Delta * Bruce Lake Marshes * Concession Lake Ellison Bay Wetland * Fawn Lake Wetland * Jevins Lake * Lewisham Wetland *	McLean Bay Wetland * Morrison Lake Wetland * Port Cunnington Wetland Potato Island * Shack Creek Wetland * South Three Mile Lake Spring Creek Wetland Waddis Creek Marsh
* Are also classified as being provincially significant wetlands

Marsh Characteristics

The water table is low in a marsh. It usually remains wet throughout the year, but not stagnant.

Vegetation in a Marsh

Due to a high rate of photosynthesis and plant growth, marshes are among the most ecologically productive areas in the world. Emergent plants are more common in marshes than trees. Emergent plants are plants that have their leaves/flowers above the water and their roots below.

These include;:

• Cattails
• Bulrushes
• Arrowhead
• Reeds
• Pickeralweed
• Grasses
• Rushes
• Sedges

Wildlife Inhabitants in a Marsh

A large number of wildlife species use marsh areas for some part of their life cycle, depending on the needs of the species and the location of the marsh.

Marshes are great nurseries for:

• fish
• ducks
• frogs
• insects

Many migratory birds also use these areas for shelter and food during migration.

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