Wetlands

The upper reaches of the lake offer a marsh-like environment when flooded. When conditions are favorable, the mudflats and silt delta support desirable plants such as smartweed and nut sedge. Micro-wetlands are found throughout the project near seeps and springs and often in the back ends of coves. When moisture permits, aquatic vegetation may predominate in these areas. Additional wetlands have been developed by Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

Some 480 acres of wetlands have been enhanced to provide food and shelter for migrating shorebirds and waterfowl. These six separate areas provide excellent hunting and viewing opportunities.

• The Olsburg Marsh is comprised of three linked wetlands totaling 152 acres of water. It is situated west of Shannon Creek Road, north of Cleburne Road, seven miles north of Olsburg in Pottawatomie County.
• Fancy Creek Marsh has 39 acres, located just east of the Fancy Creek Bridge on US 77, three miles north of Randolph in Riley County.
• The 15 acre Irving Marsh is located where Zenith Road ends on the west side of the Blue River, five miles southeast of Blue Rapids in Marshall County.
• Timber Creek Marsh is located on Dial Road off of Bellegarde Road, ¾ mile east of Vilander Road in Riley County. Sixty acres are periodically flooded in the fall.
• Swede Creek Marsh is comprised of 80 acres where Carlson Road ends at the Blue River, two miles east of Rose Hill Road in Riley County.
• The Black Vermillion Marsh holds 135 acres of shallow water, just east of 14^th Road, north of the Black Vermillion bridge in Marshall County.