The Lower Morass supports a rich environment of shallow estuaries, marshland and mangrove swamps. This wetland habitat serves as a hatchery for many species of fish in their juvenile stages, provides a nesting area for various birds and generates an abundance of nutrients for bottom feeders like crabs and lobsters as well as fish such as mangrove snapper, snook and mullet. Swamplands are also helpful in absorbing the shock of tidal waves caused by hurricanes and protect the inland areas. Saltwater crocodiles are among the larger predators in swamps and were once plentiful here but the population has been greatly reduced due mainly to loss of habitat. Their nesting places are being destroyed by heavy draining of the swamps for agriculture and the relentless development of beach areas.
Birds are numerous, especially egrets, herons and ospreys.
One of the most photographed places in Jamaica is the 2 mile long Bamboo Avenue located between Middle Quarters and Lacovia. Stands of bamboo growing alongside the road form a green, feathery tunnel that flutters with the slightest breeze. It was once much denser but nowadays, the sun peeps through at the top of the arch and at the sides in places where hurricane damage has thinned the stands. However, bamboo walks have been planted in Jamaica for a long time and Bamboo Avenue is unique only by its length and the fact that a paved road passes through. Most are found in mountain areas where they were established to preserve the dirt roads.