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A Green Frog chills in the cool water
Wetlands provide
multiple environmental
benefits. They provide a
home to a diversity of
animals. Pollutants are
diluted and filtered
through a swamp, which
reduces the effect of
humans on the
ecosystem. Floods are
buffered by the spongelike effect of a wetland.
A Green Frog is identifiable
by the vertical stripes on the
hind legs. Frogs thrive at
Elm Swamp because of the
abundance of insects. The
standing water is a prime
breeding ground for various
insects.
Image courtesy of River Watch Network
Mayflies are very
sensitive to pollution,
therefore, they are prime
indicators of water quality.
The abundance of mayfly
larva at Elm Swamp
suggests a healthy habitat
for aquatic species.
Mayfly nymph
The Savannah Sparrow (left) and the
Bobolink (farther right male; closer
right, female) nest in farmer’s fields.
Unfortunately, regular mowing
destroys nests at a critical time in
their breeding cycle. Managers at
Shelburne Farms are experimenting
with agricultural practices that
accommodate the breeding cycle of
birds.
Photo courtesy of Matt Kohan
.
Getting down to the wire
Photo courtesy of Matt Kohan
WHY ARE WETLANDS
IMPORTANT TO
WILDLIFE?
Photo courtesy of Rose Long
ELM SWAMP
THE WILDLIFE OF A WETLAND
Two bobolinks in the chain of life