Netley-Libau Marsh

The Netley-Libau Marsh is a massive wetland located in Manitoba, Canada, right at the southern end of Lake Winnipeg. It is specifically situated at the mouth of the Red River, which effectively splits the marsh into two distinct sections. Netley Marsh lies to the west of the river, while Libau Marsh lies to the east.

It is one of the largest and most important coastal wetlands in North America, serving as a crucial stopover for migratory birds along the Mississippi Flyway. The marsh provides vital spawning and nursery habitat for dozens of fish species in Lake Winnipeg. It also acts as a natural filter for nutrients and pollutants flowing down the Red River.

The marsh has suffered severe ecological degradation due to excessive nutrient runoff, particularly phosphorus, from upstream agricultural sources. This has led to the overgrowth of cattails, which choke out open water and reduce the diversity of plant life. The degradation has severely impacted the marsh's ability to support native wildlife.

Because much of the marsh is composed of soft mud, dense vegetation, and shallow water, traditional road access is extremely limited. Visitors typically access the area via boat, launching from nearby communities like Selkirk or Libau on Lake Winnipeg. It is a popular, albeit challenging, destination for waterfowl hunting and bird watching.