1. This presentation is the property of the Connecticut Audubon Society (CAS). This presentation may not be used for any purpose other than originally intended. The intention of this presentation is for teachers to use it as an introduction to the Connecticut Audubon Society in preparation for their students’ participation in the CAS’s Science in Nature education programs.

2. Wetland Ecology Science in Nature http://www.cpe.rutgers.edu/courses/current/eh0102ca.html

3. This presentation is designed to help you prepare for your trip to Connecticut Audubon Society’s Larsen Sanctuary. Before we get started, make sure you have your Wetland Ecology Journal ready so that you can answer questions in the journal as we go along The answers to the questions on page 2 of your journal are in this presentation, so pay close attention. DON’T FORGET to bring your journal with you to Audubon!

4. What is a Wet land? Wetland? http://www.cpe.rutgers.edu/courses/current/eh0102ca.html

5. A wetland is an area where the ground is saturated by water year round or part of the year. Wetland = Wet - land! Wetlands

6. Ecology – the study of the interactions between organisms and their environment Wetland ecology Wetland – A habitat characterized by saturated soils year round (or seasonally) “Eco” = Greek for “house”, environment

7. Wetland Ecology Putting it together the study of all of the interactions between wetland organisms and their surroundings, including soils, the water, etc.

8. lakeshorepreserve.wisc.edu www.ecohusky.uconn.edu http://www.johnharveyphoto.com/Japan2/Nik ko/StreamByFalls.html http://home-repair-remodeling- building.com/natural_swimming_ponds http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/natural- heritage/vernal-pools/ Swamp Pond Stream Vernal Pool Marsh Types of wetlands

9. Flood control http://www.branford- ct.gov/Inlands%20Website%20info.htm Ecosystem services http://www.ctwetlandsconsulti ng.com/wetlands- homeowner.html http://suturi.com/?p=8782 http://www.dailyworldfacts.com/flood-facts/ Refills ground waters Food source Filters pollutants

10. Wetland threats https://sites.google.com/site/thisistnachen/water-pollution-research Nutrient pollution

11. Wetland threats Sediment pollution

12. Wetland threats Thermal pollution Photo: Morgan Kaolian AEROPIX

13. Wetland threats Filling and building

15. http://ut.water.usgs.gov/images/gsl_dye_plume.bmp

16. How would you test the health of a wetland?

17. http://www.epa.gov/climatestudents/impacts/signs/acidity.html pH Agriculture = nutrients = change in pH Ideal pH: 6-8.5 Air pollution = acid rain = decreased pH

18. Dissolved oxygen http://www.pbs.org/safarchive/5_co ol/galapagos/g52a_water.html

19. Water temperature Increased water temp = decreased DO Ideal temps for animals: 4°C - 22°C (34°F - 72°F) Thermal pollution

20. Bioindicators

21. You’ll be a wetland scientist at the Larsen Sanctuary!

22. 1. Compare the water quality at 4 different wetland habitats 4. Use your problem solving skills to create wetland solutions 2. Discuss why it is important to understand wetlands and their threats 3. Learn what you can do to protect our wetlands At CAS, you will…

23. 1.Lots 1.Lots of teamwork! 3. You will spend over 2 hours in nature, exploring and investigating What to expect2. Lots of sharing what you think about wetlands, nature, etc.

24. How to prepare for your trip to CAS

25. Wear long pants Wear close-toed shoes that can get dirty Wear a jacket or rain coat to keep warm & dry Be a prepared scientist Bring at least one pencil Bring a bottle of water Bring a snack for the hike (fruit, granola bar) Bring your Wetland Ecology Journal

26. Be a prepared scientist Long pants Close-toed shoes Jacket or rain coat Pencils Water Snack http://www.123rf.com/photo_8169876_dirty -old-grass-stained-lawn-mower-worn-out- sneaker.html http://www.forbes.com/sites/rog erkay/2011/03/23/microsoft- may-have-to-sharpen-its-pencil/ http://www.caricooks.com/2010/08/apple-pie- granola-bars.html http://keetsa.com/blog/activisim/con servation/15-excellent-sigg- reusable-water-bottle-designs/ Journals

27. See you soon!!! © Howard Eskin