Birds and Mammals

• The Oak Hammock Marsh is home to 300 species of birds, many of which can be found in the park on a regular basis (the rest are migratory). The marsh is known as a launching point for many migrations. Species that live here include songbirds such as yellow rail, Nelson's sharp-tailed sparrow and LeConte's sparrow, as well as more familiar birds such as the red-winged blackbird, the tundra swan and the Canada goose. Among the 30 species of mammals that call the park home are such predators as the American badger, wolf, red fox and coyote, as well as prey species such as rabbits, hares and muskrats. Other mammals in the area include porcupines, beavers and squirrels.
  
  

Fish and Invertebrates

• Six known species of fish inhabit this marsh, including the carp, Northern pike and fathead minnow, as well as unidentified species of catfish, perch and several others. Thousands of invertebrates call this place home, living in such diverse places as the soil, the water and on plants. You can find leeches here, as well as such familiar wetland residents as mayflies, crayfish, mosquitoes and several members of the pond snail family.
  
  

Reptiles and Amphibians

• At least three species of reptiles have been found to inhabit the Oak Hammock Marsh: the Western painted turtle, the common snapping turtle and the red-sided garter snake. The five species of amphibian found here include the great plains toad and the wood frog.
  
  

Plants

• Oak Hammock Marsh is also home to hundreds of species of plants from numerous genera. Several species of lily thrive here, including the wood lily, smooth camas and pink-flowered onion. Willows are also plentiful, with representative species including peach-leaved, hoary, sandbar and basket willow. Several species of the rose family brighten up the picture, including smooth wild strawberry, the prairie cinquefoil, the prickly rose and the wood's rose. Finally, you can also find several varieties of mint such as the blue giant hyssop, common mint, wild bergamot and woundwort. Keep a look out for honeysuckle, dandelions and numerous other species of flowers and trees.