With over 500 different types of soil and an annual rainfall of almost 40 inches a year, Indiana's landscape is perfect for growing food and fiber. One of the most important ecosystems in the state are known as wetlands. To the person driving by a wetland, you might think it is just swampland with trees, grasses and a variety of plants growing in water. But, wetlands actually offer a home for a vast variety of plant and animal life.
Wetlands are home to many of the states water birds and fish.
In addition, wetlands serve as a filtrator for water. Because of the rich diversity of plant life found within a wetland, the water that passes through a wetland is filtered by the plant's roots and works as a way to keep our water clean. Many farmers perserve and build wetlands around their farms to help keep our water clean.