Wetlands are areas where water mixes with or saturates the land at least part of the year. Areas like bogs, swamps, vernal pools and salt mashes are considered wetlands. While they may not be as scenic as other landscapes, wetlands are vital ecosystems that provide habitat for a variety of plants and wildlife.
Below, you’ll learn why we should value wetlands, plus fun ways families (or classes) can learn more.
What Do Wetlands Do?
- They filter pollutants from the water, trapping heavy metals, phosphorous and other toxins in their sediment.
- They act as a frontline storm defense against strong winds and tidal waves, reducing a storm’s impact and preventing erosion.
- They collect and store flood water. Acting as sponges, wetland vegetation absorbs heavy rain and snow melt to keep rivers at normal levels and prevent flash flooding. On the other end, wetlands can also recharge groundwater supplies and control flow during a drought.
- They sustain a surprisingly large number of plant and wildlife species (including many on the Endangered Species List). Wetlands also act as a nursery for many fish species and as a food and shelter pit stop for migrating birds in winter.
- They provide foods we eat such as cranberries, blueberries, rice, fish and shellfish. They also provide useful materials including peat (for fuel), fibers (for paper and fabric), timber, medicines, tannins and dyes.
February 2 is World Wetlands Day, celebrated globally since 1997 to raise awareness and conservation of these vital wild places. You can celebrate at home or in the classroom with one of these activity guides.
Activities to Educate Kids About Wetlands
- Celebrate World Wetlands Day through a local event or by participating in the annual photo contest.
- Wetland Science Projects and Activities.
- Build Your Own Wetland From Snacks.
- Educator’s Guide to Wetland Activities for Grades K-12.
