More Than Just A Swamp
Introduction:
Wetlands are very important to the well-being of many plants and animals,
including people. But what are these areas, and what do they do? A Wetland
is the area between dry land and open water. It is sometimes covered with
a shallow layer of water, but there are also wetlands which can be dry
for part of the year. The plants and animals which live there are adapted
to this watery environment. There are many different types of wetlands.
Wetland Types
Swamp - Wetland where trees and shrubs grow
which are flooded and rivers that experience both wet and dry periods
during the year. They are often forested.
Marsh - Marshes are the wet areas filled with
a variety of grasses and rushes. They can be found in both freshwater
areas and in the saltwater areas near our coast.
Pocosin - These are the wet areas with evergreen
trees and shrubs growing on peat or sandy soils. Peat is a spongy-feeling
material made up of decaying plants. The word pocosin comes from the Algonquin
Indian word meaning "swamp on a hill."
Wetland Functions
Flood Control - Excess water from heavy rains
is slowed by wetland plants and stored in the low-lying areas of wetlands,
preventing the waters of nearby rivers and streams from overflowing and
damaging property.
Storm Buffer - Along our coast, wetlands take
a beating from high winds and waves, yet remain intact. The thick vegetation
buffers the forces of storms and protects the land from erosion.
Water Banks - Wetlands hold water during the
wet season. This water seeps through the soil and into our underground
water supplies.
Water Filter - Wetlands help purify runoff
waters which carry pollutants. Silt and soil, which choke aquatic life,
settle out. Wastes are broken down and absorbed by aquatic plants, as
are many harmful chemicals.
Nurseries - Many fish and animals use wetlands
as nurseries. They provide an abundant supply of food and shelter for
they young.
Home Sweet Home - Wetlands are home to many
animals. A thriving wetland probably has more life in it than any other
kind of habitat.
Wildlife Pantry - Wetlands are so productive,
many animals depend on them for food. Many migrating birds stopover in
wetlands each spring and fall to rest and feed before continuing their
trip, and some will spend the winter in the wetlands.
Recreational Opportunities - Wetlands provide
us with places to watch birds and animals, and to fish, boat, and hunt.
Economics - Commercial fisherman depend on
the wetlands to supply us with crabs and many other types of seafood.
Wetlands in Danger!
More than half of the U.S. wetlands have been lost since the 1600's.
They have been drained to make farm fields, or filled for developments
or dredged for waterways. Wetlands become "drylands" when people fill
them, build dams, or divert the water that feeds these areas.
In the past wetlands were considered useless wastelands. Now we know
that they are very valuable to people and wildlife.
Changing opinions are resulting in new laws to help save wetlands, but
there is still much work to be done to stop the destruction and to restore
our wonderful wetlands.
Wetland's Crossword
Test your wetlands knowledge by completing this wetlands crossword
puzzle.
Across
2._________are wetlands that are flooded with water for
most or all of the year, and are vegetated with trees and
shrubs.
3. A use of wetlands for food and cover by young fish and
other animals.
6. A wetland type found along streams and rivers. They are
flooded for part of the year and dry for part of the year.
7. The type of soil often found in pocosin wetlands. It
is made up of decayed plants.
9. Peat soil feels ___________.
11. Many kinds of _________use wetlands for sources of
food, resting sites, and cover.
12. Wetlands along the coast may lesson the damage caused
by storms, and protect land from erosion since they function as
a ________.
Down
1. A use of wetlands by people.
2. Commercial fishermen depend on wetlands to supply us with ________to
eat.
4. Bottomland wetlands are often ___________.
5. A __________ marsh does not contain salty water.
8. A wetland type with evergreen trees and shrubs. This word means
"swamp on a hill" to the Algonquin Indians.
10. Wetlands have the ability to remove, or _______ out, pollutants
from water.
* Click here for Answers
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