The riverbanks support a diverse community of plants and animals and preserve glimpses of the once-vast Northern Hardwood Forests. Common trees include white pine, hemlock, red maple, paper birch, and sugar maple, which in summer provide shade and shelter for many creatures. Birdlife includes migrants such as warblers, year-round residents like the red-tailed hawk, and bald eagles that are often seen along much of the river, even in downtown areas. Beneath their quiet appearance, the river shores form a vibrant ecological community.