This particular ecosystem is a unique mix of prairie ecology and wetland habitat. It is found in areas of thin calcitic soil with a limestone bedrock base. The hydroperiod is for three to seven months and is the shortest of all marsh types. The marl prairie is found on either side of the main water flow that defines the everglades. The properties of the marl result in slow seepage of the flowing water as opposed to full drainage. As you look out across the Marl prairie, the predominate features are grasses of varying size and composition. The most common is sawgrass which does not grow very high in most areas. However, the areas of taller sawgrass growth is almost always in those areas where there is a greater hydroperiod. Curiously, some areas of standing water have no tall sawgrass growth. Other marl prairie grasses include beak rush, spike rush, white-top sedge, and muhly grass. The parasitic love vine was observed in abundance all over the prairie. Beyond these species, there is a high plant diveristy with as many as 100 different species growing.

Throughout the habitat, interspersed between the grasses, is a carpet of dried periphyton. In the wetter areas, the periphyton is water saturated and has a tubular-like appearance. Periphyton is a complex mix of different algal species, and is an important food source for marsh organisms. For a more indepth look at periphyton and the soil layes of the Marl Prairie, click here. An interesting feature of some marl prairie sites is the presence of very small tree islands. On the periphery of the marl prairie, there are a few larger tree islands composed of slash pine and other species. Other trees observed include the bald cypress.

Marl prairie is an important feeding area for wading birds, especially in the dry season. Organisms such as crayfish and amphibians, which do not need permanent surface water are normally found in the marl. However, in areas where there are many solution holes, a number of organisms such as small fish and applesnails may be found. These survive in the standing water found in the solution holes during the dry season.