As part of this, a canoe trail was developed, which serves the dual purposes of visitor access and of reconnecting the wetlands with the tidal Ironbark Creek. Although degraded, habitats on Kooragang Island are diverse, with a paperbark swamp, reed swamps, a water ribbon swamp, two open water ponds, seasonal wet meadows and some drier, upland woodland. Four main plant species are native wetland plants - common reed, cumbungi, water ribbon and paperbark. Originally, before wetland destruction, the total number of bird species was 135, with 37 known to breed. Now, over 60 species have been recorded from Hexham Swamp, with 19 known to breed there.
Many species are long distance migrant waders.
Some species have been lost from the region, such as the magpie goose, and are being re-established. Eleven frog species and 8 reptile species are also recorded, with a re-established population of the eastern water dragon. The community has continued to support Shortland Wetlands Centre, with much volunteer labour and the establishment of several local environmental groups. Visitor numbers continue to increase. The Centre is regarded as a national and international authority on wetlands management and is extensively used for consultancies.