1. Georgia Agricultural Curriculum Office June 2011

2. Wetlands Defined many different ways by differing government agencies Broadly defined as an area whose soil is saturated with water either permanently or seasonally Wetlands serve a purpose in several different ecosystems

3. Types of Wetlands Researchers have grouped wetlands into 55 different categories Wetlands are classified by the type of vegetation, soil, and hydrology found in the area Each type of wetland serves a slightly different function

4. Benefits of Wetlands Serve as nurseries for baby animals Flood control Help remove pollution from waterways Groundwater charge and discharge Active or passive recreation Shoreline anchoring Nutrient retention and removal

5. Need for Conservation More than half of America’s original wetlands have been destroyed since the 1600’s This loss leads to increased pollution in waterways, increased flood damage, and a decline in the populations of waterfowl

6. Watersheds The surrounding topography or land which drains into a basin or valley The basin or valley usually has a pond, lake, river, stream, or wetland

7. How do watersheds influence water quality? If there is a source of pollution, such as a mining site, located in the higher elevations of a watershed, it can cause pollution in the runoff from the entire watershed