The sanctuary’s brochure describes wetlands as:

…areas where water is the primary factor controlling the environment and the associated plant and animal life. It’s where land is flooded or saturated at or near the ground surface for varying periods of time during the year. They are invaluable in controlling floodwaters, recharging groundwater, and filtering pollutants; as a habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife and for their educational, recreational and aesthetic promise.

Unfortunately we haven’t had much rain for a while so this piece of wetland was not particularly wet.

Apparently this particular stretch is known as “Skunk Cabbage Heaven”:

As the days begin to lengthen in February, Skunk Cabbage begins to flower. These flowers often give off a considerable amount of heat. Flowered, large leaves develop, sometimes shading the entire forest floor. By the end of summer, the leaves wither and die, leaving room for jewelweed and other wild flowers.

Again unfortunately I was there in October rather than in February so the Skunk Cabbage was long gone. Judging from its description: “Breaking or tearing a leaf produces a pungent but not harmful odor, the source of the plant’s common name; it is also foul smelling when it blooms. The plant is not poisonous to the touch.” I’m not too sorry that I missed it.