What is a Wetland?

Wetlands are areas where water is the biggest factor in the environment. Many of these areas occur in the areas between the land and the aquatic environments where the water table is at or near the surface. The land may even be covered with water up to six feet deep. The water level here usually fluctuates a great deal. Even the soil in this environment differs from that found in the upland areas. To survive in such environments many plants and animals have become specialized.

In times past these areas were thought to be little more than unattractive breeding grounds for insect pests. Because of this attitude many of these areas were completely destroyed prior to the middle of this century. Fortunately they are now seen as beautiful places which harbor a rich diversity of plant and animal life and which are critical to the overall health of the planet.