The Murray Marsh facts for kids
The Murray Marsh, also known as the Big Murray Swamp, is a super important wetland located on the Trent River in Northumberland County, Ontario, Canada. It's a huge natural area, covering about 4,850 hectares (that's like 12,125 acres!). This makes it the biggest untouched wetland in southeastern Ontario.
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Discovering the Murray Marsh
The Murray Marsh is a special place where land and water meet. It's called a wetland because it's always wet, either covered by water or having very soggy soil. Wetlands are like nature's sponges, helping to clean water and prevent floods. They are also home to many different plants and animals.
Where is the Murray Marsh?
This amazing wetland stretches out south of a place called Percy Reach. It goes for about 8.75 kilometers (that's over 5 miles!) down to a spot northwest of Wooler, Ontario. The marsh forms a wiggly shape between Percy Boom in the west and German's Landing in the east. These two points are about 10.8 kilometers apart.
What Makes Up the Murray Marsh?
The Murray Marsh is a mix of different natural areas. You'll find parts that are:
- Wooded swamp: Areas with trees growing in wet soil.
- Thicket swamp: Areas with dense bushes and small trees.
- Lowland deciduous forest: Forests where trees lose their leaves in the fall.
These different areas are broken up by higher pieces of land called ridges, small islands, and open water. This variety creates many different habitats for wildlife.
Who Lives in the Murray Marsh?
The Murray Marsh is a busy place for animals! It's a vital home and stopping point for many creatures.
- Birds: More than 150 different kinds of birds use the marsh. Many migrating waterfowl (like ducks and geese) stop here to feed and rest during their long journeys. There's even a special spot called a heronry in the northwest part of the marsh, which is where herons build their nests together.
- Deer: A large area within the wetland is known as a deer yard. This is a place where deer gather, especially in winter, to find food and shelter.
The marsh provides everything these animals need to survive, from food and water to safe places to raise their young. Protecting the Murray Marsh helps keep these animals safe and healthy.
