Wetlands Nature Area

Red Maple Swamp

In this region, several types of wetlands exist — including red maple swamps, marshes, wet meadows, vernal ponds and riverside forest. Each type has plants and animals specific to that area and dependent on the amount of water available.

The red maple swamp is named for, and dominated by, this well-known hardwood. It is the predominant type of forested wetland in the Northeast. In addition to the trees, woody shrubs also are evident. These include spicebush, winterberry holly, arrowwood and dogwood bushes. In the ground layer you will find skunk cabbage, jewelweed, jack-in-the-pulpit and various ferns.

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