Wetlands are home to a very diverse assortment of plant and animal species. Because of the continued presence of water, many of the species become specifically adapted to living in these special habitats. In addition to the animals that can be found there all year long, wetlands also provide food, water, and breeding grounds for many species of migratory birds passing through the area each year. Wetlands play a major role in a region's water cycle, and scientists even believe that they help to regulate global atmospheric and climatological conditions by storing carbon within their soils and plants. The abundant vegetation also provides natural protection against flooding and shoreline erosion by absorbing water, holding the soil together, and breaking the flow of currents.
Wetlands are also a source of recreation for millions of people.
Daily activities done in the house and around the yard can also be very destructive to wetlands. The storm water drains found in streets lead directly into nearby rivers and lakes without any treatment. Locally, this means that whatever is put down the storm drains goes directly into the Huron River and can result in an overgrowth of aquatic weeds or directly poison fish and other aquatic life. Car washing generates significant amounts of contaminated runoff containing detergents, grease, and sediment that can run into the storm drains. At commercial car washes, the water is funneled into the sanitary sewer and treated at the wastewater treatment plant.