Along the Sweetwater River in summer, the trilling “Kroo-oo-oo” of the sandhill crane is heard, and the endangered whooping crane has been seen in the marshy meadows immediately south of this spot. The Sweetwater’s wide floodplain, enhanced by irrigated and naturally occurring wet meadows, supports wildlife ranging from the 1,000 pound moose to the ¼ ounce pygmy shrew. The vegetation zone in the river’s floodplain is called riparian habitat, and willows are often the dominant woody vegetation in Wyoming’s riparian habitats. Willows provide food and winter cover for moose, food and dam-building materials for beaver, and streamside shade and insects for fish. Willow roots also help stabilize streambanks; without stabilizing vegetation, streambanks erode and spring floods cut deeper into the riverbed, accelerating erosion and affecting wildlife. Unstable streambanks lead to a loss of land, soil moisture, and vegetation growth, affecting wildlife, livestock, and ultimately man. Willows are one of the valuable plants that help maintain a healthy and diverse wildlife community.