Wetlands

Wetlands Objectives: Describe characteristics of wetlands Describe various types of freshwater and coastal wetlands Describe functions of wetlands Describe threats and current policies of wetlands Describe various species that inhabit wetlands

Characteristics of Wetlands Land areas that are under water for all or part of the growing season Can be freshwater or saltwater They have plants that are adapted to grow in this environment.

Examples of Freshwater Wetlands Swamps – has many trees Marshes – soft-stemmed plants (grasses) Bogs – spongy peat, acidic waters, and a thick carpet of sphagnum moss. Many more

Examples of Coastal Wetlands Estuaries: an area in which freshwater from a river mixes with saltwater from the ocean (Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States) Salt Marshes: ocean shorelines with many grasses Mangrove Swamps: tropical shorelines dominated by mangrove trees Rocky and sandy shores

REMEMBER THIS!!! Wetlands only have to be wet for PART of the growing season There are many different types of wetlands such as swamps and marshes

Questions??? Question 1: What is a wetland? Question 2: List and describe two common types of wetlands. Question 3: What type of wetland is the Chesapeake Bay?

Functions of Wetlands Traps and filters sediments, nutrients, and pollutants before they enter larger bodies of water Reduces flooding by absorbing extra water works like a sponge Buffers shorelines to reduce erosion Provides habitat for plants and animals Provides recreational areas fishing, bird watching, canoeing, photography, etc.

Threats to Wetlands Historically, humans used to drain wetlands for development of houses, farms, and commercial development Wetlands were believed to be useless and were breeding grounds for insects They are now protected and restored in many areas

Plants of the Wetlands Cattails Rushes/sedges/grasses Water lilies Duckweed Trees mangroves bald cypress cedar Some maples Some oaks Many more

Animals of the Wetlands Horseshoe crabs lay their eggs on the shore Birds egrets, herons, osprey, and many more Oysters, barnacles, clams anchor to grasses or rocks Beavers Alligators Many, many more area rich in nutrients migratory stopping grounds

REMEMBER THIS!!! Wetlands trap and filter nutrients, pollutants, and sediments. Wetlands reduce flooding. Wetlands provide habitat for many different species. Wetlands provide recreation. Many wetlands have been filled in.

Questions??? Question 4: List 3 functions of wetlands. Question 5: Why were wetlands historically filled in?

THE END!!!