Which of these is included in the list of known wetland values? Flood protection Recreation and education Habitat for endangered & threatened species Water purification Fossil discoveries linked to wetlands Part of the hydrologic cycle

The answer is: ALL OF THEM Flood protection Recreation and education Habitat for endangered & threatened species Water purification Fossil discoveries linked to wetlands Part of the hydrologic cycle

Hypothesis Wetlands have values and functions directly beneficial to nature and society, and it is well worth it to protect, restore, and even create new wetlands.

Indian Springs An Exploration in Wetland Restoration, Preservation, and Creation

What Is Indian Springs? Located at the headwaters of the Huron River, Indian Springs is a Metro Park dedicated to the preservation of certain types of ecosystems which are being systematically eliminated both by the progress of mankind and by nature. A major project is currently underway both to create and restore prairie, wetland and woodland areas within the park.

Wetland vs. Prairie A few feet can make a huge difference when it comes to the ecosystems of Indian Springs. We marked the edges of the wetlands to discover the subtle indicators which reveal them.

Wetlands

Prairies

Indicators of the edges of a wetland Anthills Wetland plants

Soil Samples Our mentor showed us how to discover wetlands by the soil. He used the soil’s color to determine nutrient quality and discover whether it is wetland soil.

Digging holes to test the land Our mentor digs for a soil sampleA hole to test groundwater levels

Vernal Ponds We also saw a vernal pond, which only fills with water in the springtime. The bed of this pond was moist and filled with tiny plants which would all disappear when the pond returns.

Vernal pond trees with fungi

Invasive Species White-tailed deer Buckthorn Autumn olive Purple napweed Exotic grasses Purple loosestrife

Deer Tall fences to keep them outDeer beds all over the park

Buckthorn

Purple napweed

Exotic grasses

Wetlands Their functions, values, and importance to society

Wetlands have value These values include:  An effect on water quality  A habitat for threatened and endangered species  Protection from flood and erosion damage  A source for important fossil discoveries  Recreation

Water Quality and Wetlands As wetlands store water, they also serve to remove suspended sediments and pollutants from it, purifying the water before it flows back into the rivers, lakes, etc. it came from.

Endangered Species and Wetlands Wetlands are not just swamps: they include fens, vernal ponds, marshes, estuaries, and bogs. Many endangered and threatened species depend on wetlands for survival, some only for certain key points of their lives. No other type of ecosystem could take the place of these wetlands.

Flood Damage and Wetlands Wetlands have been proven to have an effect on the extent of flood damage. By holding excess water, wetlands can reduce flow velocity and volume of floodwaters. Manmade alternatives such as levees eventually end up raising floodwaters where an average wetland lowers floodwaters by five feet.

Erosion Damage and Wetlands Along the Mississippi River, erosion has become a large problem due to the destruction of approx. 80% of surrounding wetlands. The Mississippi has become deeper and faster and is now needed to be contained by manmade levees. Wetlands have the ability to control river flow and decrease such erosion damage.

Fossils and Wetlands A pair of footprints was found in East Africa that can verify the upright stance and bipedal walk of human ancestors over 3.7 million years old. These footprints were found preserved in the rich mud of a prehistoric wetland. The mud of wetlands has often preserved remnants of the past which might not have been otherwise discovered.

Recreation and Wetlands Billions of dollars every year are spent by visitors to wetlands. Wetlands are a major industry in the United States because of their aesthetic and recreational values. Duck hunters have worked to preserve wetlands because some are necessary breeding grounds for waterfowl.

Conclusion Because of many functions and qualities which cannot be duplicated elsewhere, wetlands have values both to nature and society. Whether for recreational, environmental or economical purposes, wetlands are irreplaceable to everybody.