wetland

Wetlands hold many benefits for people and wildlife!

 

Top Ten Wetland Facts

Wetlands are a vital part of our environment. Unfortunately, when people think of wetlands, many think of them as wastelands. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Through cutting-edge science and environmental research, DUC has learned much about wetlands. These habitats provide many valuable benefits for both wildlife and people. Check out Ducks Unlimited Canada’s (DUC) ‘Top 10 Wetland Facts’ to learn more about these precious habitats.

Wetlands are found all over the world

Wetlands are up there with tropical rainforests for their productivity. They are found all over the world—the only continent that does not have wetlands is Antarctica. Canada is fortunate to be home to more than 1,270,000 square kilometres (127 million hectares) of wetlands. That’s nearly 25 per cent of all the wetlands on Earth!

Wetlands keep our water clean

Water quality is one of the most important environmental issues facing Canada and the world at large. As nature’s water filters, wetlands play a key role in keeping our water clean. The many types of plants, bacteria and animals that live in wetlands remove many harmful impurities.

Wetlands are valuable wildlife habitat

Wetlands and their surrounding uplands are habitat for approximately 600 species of plants, animals and insects in Canada. This includes mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish and many invertebrates. These species use wetlands as habitat for food, water, breeding and nesting grounds, resting areas and shelter.

Wetlands can help to reduce flooding

Often, spring runoff and heavy rain can cause flooding. There is simply too much water for the landscape to absorb. When wetlands are lost, so is a natural storage area for water. Wetlands can help to reduce the risk and severity of flooding by storing excess water and slowing the flow.

Wetlands are great places to have fun

Thanks to their natural beauty and abundant wildlife, wetlands make great places to relax and have fun. Activities like hiking, wildlife watching, hunting, angling, camping and canoeing are just some of the things people do in wetland areas. Visit a wetland near you to see how you can enjoy the great outdoors!diagram of watershed

Watersheds are landscape-level systems through which water drains and flows to a common area like a river, lake or ocean. Wetlands are an important part of watersheds, as they naturally store and filter water that passes through them.

Wetlands can help treat wastewater

One of the problems faced by society is how to properly dispose of wastewater and sewage. Wetlands are so good at removing impurities from water that they can help to treat and clean wastewater. In fact, specially constructed treatment wetlands have been used to treat wastewater in Europe for over 50 years. Several communities and businesses in Canada now use wetlands to treat their wastewater.

Wetlands make great outdoor classrooms

Wetlands are full of life and they make great places to learn about biology and the environment! They are full of the ‘raw materials’ that make learning fun and effective. DUC has many education programs that use wetlands as the ultimate ‘outdoor classroom’.

Wetlands help to replenish groundwater

As wetlands store excess water, they release it back into the environment. Water held in wetlands seeps slowly back into the ground and is purified and filtered. This supplies people with clean water.

Wetlands help to guard against erosion

Thanks to the vegetation found in wetlands, these habitats can help to protect against soil erosion. These plants stabilize the soil, holding it in place against erosive forces. Plants break up waves and currents that would otherwise impact on soil. By trapping sediments found in the water, wetland plants also help to reinforce soils against erosion.

Canada’s wetlands continue to disappear

Despite these many benefits that wetlands provide to people and wildlife, they continue to be destroyed across Canada. As much as 70 percent have been lost in some areas of the country.

Wetland loss has to be stopped now. Support DUC and wetland conservation. Learn more about how you can help to protect these precious habitats.

 

 
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