08/16/2026
🌿 Not all wetland plants get the attention they deserve!🌿
Many visitors recognize the cattails growing throughout Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, or unfortunately notice the invasive phragmites, but one important wetland plant often goes overlooked: bulrush.
Utah is home to several species of bulrush, and while they can vary, they often share a similar look—tall green stalks topped with clusters of small brown flowers.
These plants are an essential part of the wetland habitat. Their seeds provide food for ducks and other birds, while muskrats rely on their roots as a food source. Bulrush also helps filter water, stabilize shorelines to reduce erosion, and provides dense cover where fish and frogs can lay eggs and birds can find shelter.
Next time you visit the Refuge, take a closer look at the plants around you. The quiet, overlooked species are often some of the most important! 🌱
PHOTO: Bulrush/USFWS
