Wetlands are complicated systems that provide food, recreation, wildlife habitat, water-quality improvements, and Fool control and are natural sources of environmental aesthetics. Not all wetlands provide all the above-listed benefits. Wetlands serve as water-storage areas that reduce flooding by retaining excess water and slowly releasing it to lakes and streams. Wetlands also act as sediment trappers. As flowing, sediment-laden water is slowed by wetlands, the sediment suspended by faster flowing water settle among wetlands plants.
Wetlands can also act as a filter for pollutants.
Plants and micro-organisms can take up and use some chemical pollutants. Discuss two functions common to different wetland types. Spread a sloping layer of modeling clay or crumpled paper covered with aluminum foil in approximately one-third of the pan to represent land. Make sure the clay is sealed to the pan on the edges, or the foil lies against the edge and then wraps up onto the side of the pan, to prevent water from getting underneath. Meandering streams can be formed in the clay to lead the body of water.