What do wetlands do for plants and animals?

Duckweed is a common plant among fresh water ponds, marshes, and quiet streams. This is a small plant which floats on the water. It is beneficial food for many fish. Duckweed is very important in wetlands because they absorb toxins which might find their way into the water. read more

Wetlands support an amazing diversity of plants and animals. Almost half of Oregon's over 450 species birds live part or most of the time in and around wetlands. Extensive information on wetlands species has been and is being developed, and will be appearing on this portal. read more

For many animals and plants such as wood ducks, muskrat, cattails and swamp rose, inland wetlands are the only places they can live. Beaver may actually create their own wetlands. For others, such as striped bass, peregrine falcon, otter, black bear, raccoon and deer, wetlands provide important food, water or shelter. read more