 At a variety of elevations , meadows provide important , productive habitat for wildlife . Animals come to feed on the green grasses and use the flowing and standing water found in many meadows . Predators , in turn , are attracted to these areas . The interface between meadow and forest is also favored by many animal species because of the proximity of open areas for foraging and cover for protection . Species that are highly dependent upon meadow habitat include great grey owl , willow flycatcher , Yosemite toad , and mountain beaver . 
