Wetlands! Monday December 17th

Wetlands are… An area of land that is covered by water at some point during the year.

While wetlands may look “ichy” They are extremely beneficial! Provide habitat for 1000s of species of plants and animals Absorb and slow floodwaters Absorb excess nutrients, sediments and pollutants before they reach rivers and oceans

There are 3 basic types of wetlands Wetlands are classified mainly on the types of vegetation Swamps Marshes Bogs

Swamps Swamps are wetlands were the most common types of plants are trees and shrubs. Often found in low-lying areas near moving water such as rivers

Marshes Often called a wet meadow due to the lack of trees and shrubs, mostly consisting of grasses and other soft-stemmed plants Water supply for marshes are usually groundwater, small streams and precipitation Can be freshwater or saltwater

Bogs Most bogs form in depressions created by glaciers, where the only source of water is precipitation Because water doesn’t drain from a bog, the dead plant material builds up on the bottom creating a substance called peat.