Today, Horicon Marsh is increasingly recognized and managed as a wetland ecosystem for all of its plants and animals. Horicon Marsh has been designated as a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention and a Global Important Bird Area by the American Bird Conservancy. No group of wildlife better represents the vitality of this marsh better than its birds. Over the years, a total of 304 species of birds have been sighted on this marsh.