What is a Wetland?

• A swamp is a type of wetland dominated by shrubs and trees.Natural Florida Swamp image by Billy Tait from Fotolia.com
  
  Wetlands are ecosystems that bridge the gap between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. According to the Army Corps of Engineers' website: "Wetlands are areas that are covered by water, or have waterlogged soils for long periods during the growing season. Plants growing in wetlands are capable of living in saturated soil conditions for at least part of the growing season." Swamps, bogs, marshes, and fens are some examples of wetlands.
  
  

What Purposes Do Wetlands Serve?

• One of the functions of wetlands is providing wildlife habitat.amphibian image by ivan kmit from Fotolia.com
  
  Wetlands serve purposes that no other ecosystems can come close to. Some of their functions include: helping to prevent flooding, improving water quality, providing wildlife habitat, serving as nurseries for fish, and aiding in controlling shoreline erosion. They also provide opportunities to study nature.
  
  

Flood Control and Water Quality

• Wetlands can help prevent flooding.flooding image by John Sandoy from Fotolia.com
  
  A study conducted by the Army Corps of Engineers--whose job is to protect our aquatic resources--advocates wetlands protection as one of the most cost-efficient way to prevent flooding. Wetland areas act as sponges to soak up excess rainfall and melting spring snow, helping to keep river levels normal. Wetlands also serve as water purifiers to filter out sediment, some chemical contaminants, and other impurities.
  
  

Fish and Wildlife

• Wetlands provide shallow water in which wading birds hunt for food.snowy egret in natural wetland image by Steve Marquez from Fotolia.com
  
  Wetlands provide spawning grounds and nurseries for numerous species of fish. Many wading birds such as blue herons and egrets nest in trees, but depend on the shallow water of the wetlands for feeding. Up to one half of North American bird species use wetlands to nest, feed or just rest. Some amphibians live on land, but come to wetland areas to mate and reproduce.
  
  

Wetlands' Future

• Survival of some species depends on the survival of the wetlands.sandhill crane image by Earl Robbins from Fotolia.com
  
  Recognizing the importance of wetlands, one of the primary missions of the Army Corps of Engineers is to protect the nation's wetlands. According to their website, "more than 60,000 acres of wetlands are restored, created, enhanced or preserved by the Corps every year."