Wetlands are among the most biologically productive natural ecosystems in the world.
They have been compared to tropical rain forests and coral reefs in the diversity of species they support. In addition, wetlands provide many benefits, including water quality improvement, protection of ground water supplies, flood protection, erosion control, food and habitat for fish and wildlife, and opportunities for recreation, education, and research. Wood Frog Tadpoles in their Wetland Home Water Quality Wetlands help maintain and improve the water quality of our streams, rivers, lakes, and estuaries. Since wetlands are located between uplands and water resources, many can intercept runoff from the land before it reaches open water. As runoff and surface water pass through, wetlands remove or transform pollutants through physical, chemical, and biological processes.