A Wetland Habitat
A wetland is a place where the ground is wet or covered with water for most of the year. For many ears people did not recognize the importance of wetlands. These ares were drained to make more room for farms and cities. But wetlands are valuable. The help prevent floods by storing large amounts of water. They also provide plants and animals with places to live. Today people understand that wetlands are important and need to be protected. There are laws to protect wetlands from being destroyed.
Wetland Animals
Wetlands are rich in animal life. Since these areas are covered with water, many fish and amphibians (frogs, toads, salamanders, etc.) live in them. Over 200 kinds of birds use wetlands for their homes or nesting sites. The birds dive, wade, or dunk their heads in the water to look for food. Minks, otters, and beavers are mammals that are regular residents of wetlands. Deer, black bears, and other mammals visit wetlands to eat and drink.
Wetland Plants
Plants are very important to wetlands. They stabilize the soil, produce oxygen, and provide homes and food for the animals. Cattails, sedges, rushes, and arrowheads are common wetland plants that stand in the water. Water lilies seem to float on top of ponds, but they are really rooted in the mud at the bottom. Algae (very simple green plants) form a green carpet over the water. Marsh marigolds, irises, fringed gentians, and other flowers grow along the edges of the water.
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