I originally entitled this section "Cattail Swamp" but a more accurate and scientifically accepted term is "Freshwater Marsh."  Cattail Swamp is appropriate though because most habitats of this type are dominated by Cattail and are characterized by a soft, muddy bottom.  Typically this habitat is found along the edge of lakes, ponds, or large streams, and mostly herbaceous plantlife is found growing.  Like all wetlands they are havens for insect and herptile life and they house the predators that eat them.  Some plants peculiar to this type of habitat include Arrowheads, Cattail, Marsh Marigold, and Water Lilies.  If the water flow to this habitat dries up it often succeed to a "Moist Meadow" and then on through the other stages until it is dominated by woody plants and forest.
    Two problem species that were introduced and became pests in Marshes are Purple Loosestrife and Common Reed (Phragmites.)  Both of these plants outcompete native plants while providing little in the way of food or nesting sites for wildlife.  Biological controls are currently being tested and employed on state and federal lands in the state to combat Loosestrife, but less progress in being made in reducing the spread of Phragmites.