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Wetlands What is a Wetland? Water saturated patches of land. A Transition zone, comprised of a unique system between water, soil, and vegetation. Home to a vast number of aquatic and terrestrial species of flora and fauna. • Types of wetlands. –Marshes –Swamps –Bogs –Fens Watershed Marshes Tidal • Found along coastlines and influenced by the ocean tides, freshwater run offs, and ground water. • Very high in primary productivity. Non-Tidal • Dominated by herbaceous plants • Frequently occur in poorly drained depressions, floodplains, and along lakes and rivers. • Freshwater marshes • Wet meadows • Wet prairies • Playas • Vernal Pools Tidal: Chesapeake bay Non-tidal Swamps • Primarily fed by surface water. • Dominated by trees and shrubs. • Found in both fresh and salt water floodplains. • Forest swamps • Mangrove swamps • Shrub swamps Bogs • Freshwater wetland – Common characteristics • Spongy peat moss deposits • Evergreen trees and shrubs • Sphagnum moss • Filled by rain water • Common in glaciated areas Fens • Fed by ground water • Covered by grasses, sedges, reeds and wildflowers • Common place for willows and birch trees Up to half of all North American bird species nest or feed in wetlands. Wildlife Ecological services: • • • • • • • • Improving water quality through filtration Recharging ground water Flood Control Stop over for migratory birds Nesting and breeding grounds Provides a wide range of habitat High biological productivity Aesthetic Threats! Degradation of habitat due to human activates. In the United States, 22 states have lost close to 50% of their wetlands since the 1970’s. Most extensively in Southern States. • Habitat destruction • Pollution ?
