1. UNDERSTANDING WETLANDS Objective : to describe the features and functions of wetlands; to determine the usefulness of wetlands to humans

2. WHAT ARE WETLANDS? Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present either at or near the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year, including during the growing season. (EPA)

3. Wetlands are areas, such as swamps or marshes, which are found between open water and dry land...

4. where the land is usually covered by shallow water. However, they may be dry for part of the year.

5. TWO CATEGORIES OF WETLANDS COASTAL Affected by tides May be saltwater or freshwater

6. INLAND Located in non- coastal areas Not affected by tides Called bogs, wet meadows, marshes

7. WHAT’S GOOD ABOUT WETLANDS? Filters run-off from upland areas

8. Prevents erosion Coastal Erosion near Ragged Harbour. Photo by Kirsty Toussigant

9. Provides a habitat for hundreds of species of plants & animals

10. Absorbs excess floodwater & rainwater

11. DID YOU KNOW THAT VIRGINIA HAS LOST ALMOST HALF OF ITS WETLANDS SINCE THE 1780’S? HOW CAN WE SAVE OUR WETLANDS?

12. SOURCES http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/su/what_is_stormwater.htm http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0410/feature5/zoom5.html