The Mud Slough Wetland, located in Rikreal west of Salem, is one of the most diverse, productive prairie wetlands in western Oregon. The purple and white popcorn flower, common downingia, veronica, dark green tufts of sedge and delicate tufted hairgrass provide habitat for a variety of wildlife species. The site features a range of diverse shallow water habitats and vegetation, from small native sedges to taller cattails and rushes, as well as a single deeper pond. Willow patches and restored native wetland prairie are also present. The lack of invasive plant and animal species can be attributed to the diligent site preparation and continued maintenance conducted by landowner Mark Knaupp. During spring and fall, hundreds of shorebirds can be found foraging. During fall and winter, several thousand waterfowl and shorebirds (mainly Dunlin) can be seen. Birds otherwise rare in western Oregon, including Black-necked Stilt, Wilson's phalarope, and the Yellow-headed Blackbird join Virginia Rail, Sora and American Bittern using the restored wetlands as a breeding site.
