Wetlands from the Boardwalk Viewing Platform

From the boardwalk, visitors can observe the seasonal rhythm of the managed wetlands. In fall and winter, the ponds are intentionally flooded, creating habitat for swans, geese, ducks, a variety of shorebirds, and roosting Sandhill crane.

Wetland resilience is reflected in how the landscape responds to changing water levels and temperatures throughout the year. Key indicators include:

Water Levels – Timing, depth, and duration of seasonal flooding, especially during drought or heavy rainfall years.

Vegetation Changes – Germination timing, plant diversity, and the balance between native and invasive species.

Wildlife Use – Seasonal abundance and diversity of migratory birds and waterfowl.

Habitat Condition – Soil stability, erosion, and shifts in wetland extent.

Seasonal Timing (Phenology) – Changes in flowering, migration, and drying patterns over time.

Monitoring these patterns helps demonstrate how managed wetlands adapt to climate variability while continuing to provide critical habitat.