The intact, mature forests of the Mattawoman Creek watershed are prime habitat for Forest Interior Dwelling Species (FIDS). These species are mainly neotropical birds that migrate from Mexico and points south to the United States and Canada to breed in the summer. Among these colorful birds is the northern parula, a small warbler that nests in tree mosses. Pedal or hike the Indian Head Rail Trail to view these birds in spring and summer.

Paddle Mattawoman Creek from Mattingly Park upstream and experience the Chesapeake Bay in miniature. Follow the migration route of herring, shad and yellow perch to spawning sites in the upper Mattawoman drainage. The extensive wetlands and the large beds of submerged aquatic vegetation are a critical nursery and feeding grounds for fish, including these anadromous species as well as weakfish, spot, croaker and the rare longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus). These areas are attractive to anglers for national fishing tournaments as well as to large fish-eating birds like herons, egrets, and bald eagles.

From the brackish marshes of the estuary near the put-in to the freshwater tidal forest and the nontidal marshes at the Route 224 bridge, the wetlands of this Natural Area are diverse and teeming with wildlife. The Indian Head Rail Trail offers views of the wetlands by bicycle or on foot from the north side of the creek. On the south side, a walk on the George Wilmot Trail reveals a variety of colorful forest songbirds in the spring and summer. This trail leads to several vantage points on the creek where almost 20 species of waterfowl can be seen in the fall as they stop over in large flocks to rest and feed before continuing on their journeys. The rare and elusive marshbird, king rail (Rallus elegans), can be found during the breeding season in the dense tidal freshwater marsh. In summer, visitors may see the beautiful flowers of the rare American lotus (Nelumbo lutea) floating on the open water of the creek. Native Americans consumed the potato-like tuber of this aquatic plant as well as the leaves and seeds, and may have spread the species for their use