They all have in common the presence of water that supports uniquely adapted plants, soils, and wildlife. Water is the defining element of this wetland, making it a dynamic and diverse system. Other desert dwellers, such as mule deer, gravitate to the feast that this wetland offers. More than 175 species of birds have been spotted here, with their numbers peaking during fall and spring migrations. Songbirds and shorebirds forage among Russian olives.
Many birds choose to build nests and raise their young.
Water fluctuations in the preserve dictate the types and locations of plants and trees. For instance, river flooding helps regenerate Fremont cottonwood trees, while drier years spark the spread of cattails and bulrush. Knotgrass grows in standing water and saltgrass grows on drier ground. The shifting nature of this wetland creates a patchwork of vibrant habitats and an accompanying diversity of life. A Piece of the Plateau Deep in the Matheson Preserve, hearing the honk of geese echo across the wide pond edged in green, you can easily feel miles from the desert.