The goal is to restore as much of the native upland habitat as possible, The Friends of Madrona Marsh, working with other volunteer groups (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, high school service clubs, etc.) have made great strides in the planting of native species and restoration of native vegetation in the upland areas, including slowly depleting the weed growth. Over a thousand new plants were planted in year 2000 alone. 

Virtually all of the vegetation of the wetland is composed of native species. To maintain this vegetation and to increase its acreage to the historic level of 17.8 acrea will require adequate water and water management (call the Nature Center about the Water Management for the Marsh). Standard management guidelines for migratory waterfowl habitat call for 50% open water and 50% cover.

The preserve is not a botanical garden. The planting done on the preserve is done to re-establish the native vegetation -- the vegetation that had been on the site prior to European settlement. Once re-established, the native vegetation should remain itself with a minimum of care.

Native trees (California Sycamore, Freemont Cottonwood, Red Willow and Coast Live Oak) have been planted in the drier areas away from the wetland. The cottonwood is in sites of higher soil moisture. The willow is in areas with prolonged saturated soils. These trees serve to soften the view of the surrounding community from points within the preserve.