There are many names for natural areas that hold water: bogs, wetlands, swamps, marshes, fens, and more. But no matter what they are called, they have this in common: their soil stays moist because it is able to hold rainfall, storm-water, and/or groundwater for all or part of the year.
There are many plants and animals that need the special kind of habitat in these naturally wet areas for their food, water, shelter, and nesting places. The Magnuson Wetlands are a great place to visit and see this type of unique habitat, and the living things that make their homes there year-round, or that migrate in for a few months each year.
Whenever you go for a walk in the Magnuson Wetlands, remember to use your “eagle eyes” to spot as many living things as you can, please keep your dog on a short leash, and stay only on the gravel trails so you don’t step on the plants or frighten the animals- thanks!
Check out these resources to learn more about the living things that thrive in bogs and other wonderful wetlands:
- Beavers NW self-guided tour of Magnuson Wetlands beaver ponds and dam
- Magnuson Wetland Plants ID guide
- Guide to Aquatic Insects and other Invertebrates
- Aquatic Invertebrates that Indicate Water Quality
- Magnuson Bird ID guide- simple
- Mallard and Swallow songs
- Fascinating Facts about Tree Frogs
- Frog songs
- Fascinating Facts about Beavers
- Beaver Sign Bingo card
- Fascinating Facts about Dragonflies
- Fish that live in the Magnuson Wetlands
- Western Pond Turtle factsheet
- Surprising Facts about Garter Snakes
