Ecological Importance of Wetlands
Lakes, ponds, and swamps are what most people think of when they hear the word wetland. Some wetlands, however, are seasonal meaning they only have standing water during the rainy season and are completely dry the rest of the year, such as ephemeral ponds. According to the Wetland Conservation Act of 1991 a wetland is defined by the following criteria: 1) it has mostly hydric soils; 2) it must generally be inundated or saturated above or below the surface; and 3) support vegetation adapted to wet soil conditions.
Wetlands are arguably one of the most important ecological structures in existence. Wetlands are depend on by countless animal and plant species. They serve as breeding grounds for migrating birds and resident amphibians, permanent homes for fish species, social interaction amongst mammals who congregate there for water, and an escape from the heat of the sun for countless reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Rarely is there a wetland seen without vegetation fighting for the resources wetlands provide. Some vegetation species only are found amongst swamps and ephemeral ponds. Wetlands are seen as the cornerstone of wildlife populations.
Wetlands also serve as a reservoir for runoff water during heavy rain periods. These wetland reservoirs can typically hold more water than it appears, allowing for a reduction in the amount of flooding. These reservoirs also filter the water that is brought through the wetland. Before reaching the water table below, wetlands are able to filter out sediment, nutrients and toxic chemicals. The great diversity in plants, each one varying in its physiological capabilities, prevent nutrient and toxic chemical build up form disturbing the natural cycle of the wetland.
Plants and animals are not the only ones who can benefit from wetlands. Lakes and ponds serve as excellent areas for fishing and canoeing, while smaller wetlands are prime bird watching spots and provide prime scenery for nature walks and biking trails. Most importantly, they serve as an outdoor classrooms and laboratories. We will not be able to fully understand their potential unless we are able to study them to their fullest.
As we have seen wetlands serve an important process, not only for the environment, but also for humans. Development around wetlands is a major threat to how they function and their survival in general and therefore must be preserved. Studies have been done of the effects of development on wetlands, but the answers are still not clear.
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Top picture taken from http://www.lwcd.org/WetlandPics.htm