Bare trees: E. Profitt

Not all trees survive in the watery environment of the wetlands preserve. For more about trees in the wetlands, use the TREES menu, right.

Although there are few trees that grow in the water zone of the wetlands, there are many which grow on the dry land areas.

Why is wetlands ecology so important?

· Wetlands support biodiversity by providing habitat for many endangered species.
· Wetlands provide breeding areas, food sources, protective cover against predators, and over-wintering areas for migratory species.
· Wetland ecosystems provide slow-filtration, sedimentation, and bioremediation for purifying surface water as well as providing groundwater replacement (recharge)
· Wetland food web provides nutrient cycling and energy flow as well as producing oxygen and reducing carbon dioxide in air.
· Wetlands moderate water flow, thus reducing flood damage and providing erosion control.

How can we use wetlands?

· Source of public and private water supply
· Fishing industry
· Recreation
· Scientific research
· Waste water treatment
HOW HAVE WE ABUSED WETLANDS?
· Wetlands are being destroyed by development at alarming rates, even though slowed somewhat by recent government regulations.
· Even the "replacement" wetlands required during new land development procedures do not approach the value of natural wetlands to the biosphere.
· Rerouting of water and overuse of water, as well as indiscriminate toxin disposal have contributed to the deterioration of the quantity and quality of wetland ecosystems.