During spring floods water covers the marsh and surrounding fields and replenishes nutrients. The flood waters disappear by late June leaving marshes, ponds, wooded areas and wet meadows. The extensive marshes receive tidal water every day. The flushing of the tides, the unique vegetation and the variety of wildlife make these one of the most valuable marshes in the Province. Fish such as chain pickerel, yellow perch, smallmouth bass and sturgeon attract hundreds of anglers to the waters each year.
Commercial fishermen catch gaspereau and American eel.
Salmon and sea run brook trout migrate through the marsh system on their way to spawning grounds. Plants such as wild rice, arrowhead and bur-reed provide food for wildlife. Alders, willows and larger hardwoods such as silver maple and black ash provide nesting areas, food and escape cover. The wetlands of the Hampton area provide many recreational opportunities to local residents and tourists, including wildlife viewing, hunting and fishing. The rivers, lakes and marshes provide boating and canoeing opportunities, and during the winter are used for cross-country skiing and ice skating.