Expanses of fresh water marsh are the essence of the Everglades. The productivity of these marshlands, together with the habitat they provide, comprises the basis of the value of the Everglades to wildlife. The most unique aspect of the freshwater marshes is the way in which their three-district plant communities (sawgrass marshes, wet prairies, and ponds and aquatic sloughs) are interspersed among each other. This mosaic provides a dynamic habitat that allows Everglades wildlife to flourish even in the most severe conditions.

	Cross-section of a typical freshwater marsh system.

[Distribution of Plants][Next]