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Celebrating Marsh Madness | Vital Wetland Areas Dish A Big Assist To Wisconsin's Ecosystem
Emma Macek
Emma Macek is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.
For sports lovers, the craziness of college basketball can be intense as spring begins, so much so that the NCAA has trademarked the phrase “March Madness” for its postseason tournaments.
At the DNR, we’re also excited this season — for marsh madness. Spring is a great time to focus on marshes in our state, why they’re important and the species that call them home.
Marshes are a type of wetland with emergent vegetation, or plants that stick out of water. Think cattails and smartweed. With a mix of open water and plant cover, marshes are considered slamdunk ecosystems for wildlife and a win for people, too, teeming with diverse species and plenty of recreational opportunities.
“Just about every type of wildlife species in Wisconsin, you could find in a marsh,” said Jason Fleener, DNR wetland habitat specialist.
These species include aquatic insects, invertebrates, birds, fish, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. While exploring marshes, it’s common to see crayfish, mussels, ducks, geese and turtles. You also might spot trumpeter swans or whooping cranes, which are making a comeback because of successful conservation projects.
The animals you see at a marsh will depend on the cycle the area is in when you visit. Marshes have naturally occurring wet and dry cycles. During wet cycles, you’ll see more water in the marshes; during dry cycles, you’ll see less water and more mud.
Different species use the different cycles to their advantage. For example, during dry cycles, some bird species, especially sandpipers, plovers and other shorebirds, feed on invertebrates in muddy areas that aren’t accessible during wet cycles.
Wildlife Boosters
Regardless of the cycle, marshes are important areas for a full squad of wildlife species. From insects to mammals, marshes offer a complete food chain, and some species are even wetland-dependent, so they require this type of habitat to survive.
One such insect is the dragonfly, which utilizes marshes throughout its life cycle. Dragonflies are beneficial to us because they eat mosquitos.
Marshes also are essential habitat for birds. Wisconsin is on the Mississippi Flyway, a popular route for migrating birds. Many birds eat and rest at marshes, which are rich in the food sources that fuel the migration journey.
Marshes are valuable for breeding birds as well. For example, many species of water birds depend on marshes for nesting or raising their young because marshes can offer good protection from predators.
A number of reptiles and amphibians also call marshes home, including the state-endangered and federally threatened eastern massasauga rattlesnake.
“If it weren’t for marshes, a lot of these species just simply wouldn’t be around,” Fleener said.
Count The Benefits
People also benefit from marshes in many ways. First, marshes reduce flooding by holding floodwater.
“Marshes will soak up the water like a sponge as opposed to letting that water flow downstream or downhill and maybe flood out a community,” Fleener said.
Marshes also help improve water quality. They act as filters, soaking up environmental contaminants and converting them into less harmful substances.
In addition, marshes can help recharge groundwater and refill aquifers. This process is essential for providing drinking water to wells.
Finally, marshes have recreational benefits. They’re prime spots for wildlife viewing and great places to bring kayaks and canoes. Many allow public hunting and trapping.
Read on to learn about some of Wisconsin’s popular and lesser-known marshes, restoration work at an area Aldo Leopold called “the great marsh,” and even a marsh plant that generates its own heat.
For more about the benefits of Wisconsin’s wetland habitats, check out the DNR's Wetlands webpage.
