They are part of the successional chain of events between a pond and dry land.
Marshland is also important because it acts as a sponge.
At the Nature Center, springtime flooding is often prevented becau se marshes absorb much of the runoff. Marshes also absorb nutrients from the water, improving its quality where pollution is a problem. Many birds feed and nest in the marsh using the abundant food supply and shelter to raise their young. With the filling in of wetlands, many birds dependent upon water areas are decreasing in number. The marshes at the Nature Center are relatively small but support herons, bitterns, ducks, shorebirds, and songbirds.