![]() NPS Photo. Wetland habitats may also be found at other park units including Malvern Hill, Gaines' Mill, and Cold Harbor. Acidic Seepage Swamps and Small-Stream Floodplain Forests, two uncommon wetland habitats, are protected within the park and monitored closely for disturbances. The park's wetlands support a diverse and unique community of plants and animals and provide several valuable ecosystem functions. Among these is their ability to filter sediment and pollutants from surface water runoff before it reaches associated creeks. This process is invaluable in the maintenance of water quality in the park's creeks and downstream water systems. Because of the valuable roles that wetlands play in enhancing both biological diversity and water quality, the park works to protect these important natural features by maintaining vegetative buffers around them when possible, and by avoiding activities that may alter their hydrological regime. |
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Last updated: January 23, 2022