Wetlands

What Is a Wetland?
Why Are Wetlands Important?
Wetlands Conservation
What can I do to protect wetlands?
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
Wetlands in England

What Is a Wetland?

When was the last time you were ankle deep in marshland muck? You may have some interesting experiences to share about previous visits to a wet, marshy area. Have you seen a Great Blue Heron spear a fish for lunch, or listened to the trill chorus of frogs? You may have been in an urban marsh, a swamp, a bog or a mudflat, but one thing's for certain, it was a wetland!

All wetlands share characteristics that set them apart from other habitat types. The two most important features of a wetland are:

• Water at the surface or just below it (for at least part of the year)





• Plants and soils characteristic to soggy conditions

If you visit a wetland, you may find that it looks very different from one season to the next. Most wetlands have a cyclic nature, changing through the year as water levels rise and fall. In November at Bosque del Apache NWR, the marsh is busy with the clamor of migrating waterfowl. However, in the dead of winter, wetlands may look stark and barren. This, too, is misleading, as they are still teeming with life below the muddy surface.

Why Are Wetlands Important?

Because of their unique water-holding capacity, wetlands serve at least four important functions for the rest of the ecosystem.

Flood Buffers

Wetlands act like giant sponges that slow down and hold water run-off, moderating the release of floodwater. In this way, wetlands help control flooding and also store water in times of drought.

Water Purifiers

As water enters a wetland, it slows down, and soil and other particles settle out. Water is filtered further by plants and microbes that can absorb harmful chemicals from the water.

Biological Producers

The diverse invertebrate and plant life that thrives in the nutrient-rich mud of wetlands serves as one of Earth's richest food sources for wildlife. This food source supports dense populations of many species, making wetlands some of the world's most productive and diverse habitats.

Rest Stops and Nest Spots

The wealth of food and shelter in wetlands makes them ideal rest stops for migrating birds. Wetlands serve a vast array of species and are often characterized by a dynamic, seasonally changing guest list. They also serve as nurseries for many animals, including many species of birds and marine life that disperse over entire continents and throughout our oceans. These two functions of wetlands make them vital to the health of habitats far beyond their borders.

Wetlands Conservation

Because wetlands are important to humans and wildlife, U.S. wetlands have been protected by laws such as the Clean Water Act. In addition, over half of the National Wildlife Refuges contain wetlands. At Bosque del Apache NWR and WWT Welney, managers plant food crops for birds, control invasions of trees and shrubs and manipulate water levels to make these areas as productive as possible.

What can I do to protect wetlands?

Consider adopting a wetland area as a school or class project. Initiate a campaign to help restore or protect the wetland. Work with your local Audubon chapter to put up bird boxes. Record the wildlife you see there. Keep a journal of what happens during the seasons of the year, which animals use the wetland and in what ways and during what time of the year. You will learn a lot about the importance of wetlands just by getting to know something about their natural history and everyday activities.

How do I find out who is doing what with wetlands in my community?

Call the Audubon Wetlands Campaign (202) 547-9009. Or call your local Audubon chapter. To find a local Audubon chapter call 1-800-813-5037 and National Audubon will refer you to a representative in your area.

Try This!

Slowly pour muddy water onto a sponge. How much water will it hold? What does the water look like before and after it passes through the sponge? How is this like a wetland?