Ecologically, the park supports wetlands, riparian and upland communities that reflect the high level of historic and present land use, including mining, river damming and water diversion, water transport for irrigation, interstat highway construction and recreation. This results in a mosaic of introduced exotic plant species in addition to hardy, native species of Great Plain origin. Barbour Ponds is a good place to observe many species of ducks, Canada geese and shorebirds, in addition to songbirds and a variety of raptors, including migrating bald eagles. Many common mammals are present; it is not usual to observe mule deer, beaver, raccoon, cottontail rabbit, fox squirrel and red fox in the park.