Sweetwater Station in Fremont County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
Sweetwater Willows
Wyoming's Wildlife
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 29, 2016
1. Sweetwater Willows Marker
Inscription.
Sweetwater Willows. Wyoming's Wildlife. In summer, the trilling “Kroo-oo-oo” of the sandhill crane is heard along the Sweetwater River. The endangered whooping crane has been seen in the marshy meadows immediately south of this spot. The Sweetwater’s wide floodplain, enhanced by the irrigated and naturally occurring wet meadows, supports wildlife as large as the 1,000 pound moose and as small as the ¼ ounce pygmy shrew. The vegetation zone in the river’s floodplain is called riparian habitat. Willows are often dominant woody vegetation in Wyoming’s riparian habitats. Willows provide food and cover for moose in winter, food and dam building materials for the beaver, and streamside shade and insects for fish. Willow roots also help stabilize streambanks. Without stabilizing vegetation, the streambanks erode and spring floods cut deeper into the riverbed. This accelerates erosion and affects wildlife. Unstable streambanks result in a loss of land, soil moisture, and vegetation growth. This affects wildlife and livestock, and ultimately man. Willows are one of the valuable plants that help maintain a healthy and diverse wildlife community.
In summer, the trilling “Kroo-oo-oo” of the sandhill crane is heard along the Sweetwater River. The endangered whooping crane has been seen in the marshy meadows immediately south of this spot. The Sweetwater’s wide floodplain, enhanced by the irrigated and naturally occurring wet meadows, supports wildlife as large as the 1,000 pound moose and as small as the ¼ ounce pygmy shrew. The vegetation zone in the river’s floodplain is called riparian habitat. Willows are often dominant woody vegetation in Wyoming’s riparian habitats. Willows provide food and cover for moose in winter, food and dam building materials for the beaver, and streamside shade and insects for fish. Willow roots also help stabilize streambanks. Without stabilizing vegetation, the streambanks erode and spring floods cut deeper into the riverbed. This accelerates erosion and affects wildlife. Unstable streambanks result in a loss of land, soil moisture, and vegetation growth. This affects wildlife and livestock, and ultimately man. Willows are one of the valuable plants that help maintain a healthy and diverse wildlife community.
Erected by Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features.
Location.
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42° 32.662′ N, 108° 11.311′ W. Marker is in Sweetwater Station, Wyoming, in Fremont County. Marker is at the intersection of Wyoming 789 (U.S. 287) and Wyoming Highway 135, on the right when traveling west on Wyoming 789. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4189 Wyoming 789, Lander WY 82520, United States of America. Touch for directions.
More about this marker. This marker is locate at the Sweetwater Station rest stop.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 29, 2016
2. Sweetwater Willows Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 12, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 422 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on July 12, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
