The marsh supports large cattail marshes, extensive open water, aquatics, a meadow marsh and the ANSI's only example of mudflats. The mudflats are an uncommon community type supporting very rare annual plants. The surrounding valley slopes include more than one half on the ANSI's Red Oak Forest, more than half of the areas Black Oak Forest and the only examples of a Black Oak - White Oak Woodland, a White Oak Forest and a Pig Nut Hickory Grove. Rare flora such as the nationally and provincially rare Pignut hickory, Swamp Mallos and nut grass are supported in this area. The ANSI as a whole is extremely rich in bird species with this theme area supporting the majority of the rare  species. An excellent diversity of reptiles and amphibians, as well as, mammals of interest are located in this area. As well the lakeshore lagoon and march is a significant spawning and rearing area for fish.