For many years, most people thought wetlands were useless swamps full of mosquitoes. Today we are learning they are wondrous sources of life and diversity, filled with species that are crucial for a healthy environment. Hopefully, this new awareness about wetlands is not too late. According the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, more than half of the wetlands in the lower 48 states have been destroyed, not including Alaska. Without wetlands, our communities suffer from more flooding , lower fish stocks and polluted drinking water supplies.
Wetlands come in all shapes and sizes.
They occur in every state, from Alaskan coastal marshes to the mangrove forests in Florida. Some are dry on the surface most of the year and others remain saturated. Wetland wildlife and plant species are numerous and unusual . Amphibians and reptiles are especially dependent on healthy wetlands because they need both wet and dry areas to breed . Waterfowl rest in wetlands as they migrate.