Have students pour water on an area of dirt with no grass. Notice the mud streaming away. Next, pour water on an area with grass. Students will notice no soil erosions. Wetlands control erosion just as vegetation controls erosion of lawns and fields.
Wetlands also control overflow of flooded rivers.
They help to slow the impact of excess water and defer flooding downstream. Students need to be aware of these facts to help understand the importance of wetlands. Pre Field Trip Activities 1. Have students determine what observations can be measurable with regards to Miller Springs Nature Center wetlands. Seasonal changes will effect measurements as wetlands change over time.