LEQ: Why is it important to have and conserve the wetlands in a watershed?

1. LEQ:Why is it important to have and conserve the wetlands in a watershed? Key Terms: Wetlands Conserve

2. Wetlands • An area of land that is covered with a shallow layer of water during some or all of the year. • Form in places where water is trapped in low areas or where groundwater seeps onto the surface of the land. • Range in size. • Can be very small or very large. • A short video clip.

3. Common Characteristics of Wetlands • Are a link between the land and the water bodies (lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams) in a watershed. • Are located in the middle or intermediate lands. • Are part of the watershed. • Soils support a certain type of vegetation. • Are a fragile environment.

4. Importance of Wetlands(courtesy of Period 2: Amber, Danny, Tamekia, Kylie) • Play an essential part in the regulation of river flow and flood control • They filter pollutants and fertilizers. • They are spawning zones for some species of fish. • They provide a habitat for plants, insects, and birds.

5. Importance of Wetlands(courtesy of Period 3: Eddie, Julian, Rodney, Roy) • Wetlands control floods • Provide habitats for animals • Filter pollutants and fertilizers • Store water • Ground water recharge and discharge

6. Importance of Wetlands(courtesy of Period 8: Anthony, James S.) • Play an essential part in the regulation of river flow. • Wetlands filter out pollutants and fertilizers. • Provides vital habitats for various plants and animals. • They help control floods by absorbing excess runoff.

7. Threats to Wetlands(courtesy of Period 2: Haley, Shazmine, Yvonne, Jhavon ) • Human activities • Mining and dumping • Hydrologic alterations • Draining • Pollutants • Both point and nonpoint • Diverting Flow

8. Threats to Wetlands(courtesy of Period 3: Asia, Heidy, Jalisa, Robert, LaVerl) • Draining wetlands for agriculture uses. • Human activities are causing wetland pollution. • Heavy pollution such as nutrients • Vegetation damage caused by grazing.

9. Threats to Wetlands(courtesy of Period 6: Sidney) • Excess runoff from urban, agricultural, and mining areas. • Air pollution from cars, factories, and power plants. • Old landfills and dumps that leak toxic substances. • Marinas where boats increase turbidity and release pollutants.

10. Threats to Wetlands(courtesy of Period 8: Morgan, Cache) • Excess runoff from urban, agricultural, and mining areas. • Air pollution from cars, factories, and power plants. • Old landfills and dumps that leak toxic substances. • Marinas where boats increase turbidity and release pollutants.

11. Types of Wetlands and Their Characteristics(courtesy of Period 2: Sashey, Blake, Shacola, Bianca) • Mangrove Swamps • Marshes • Flood Plains • Bogs

12. Types of Wetlands and Their Characteristics(courtesy of Period 3: Kevin, Jorge, Javana, Zakiya, Shane, Rahn) • Marshes • Grassy, cattails, rushes, tulle, and other tall grass like plants • Swamps • Flooded forests, trees, and shrubs growing in water. • Bogs • Contain acid and mass • Riparian • Wetland areas around lakes, rivers, and streams.

13. Types of Wetlands and Their Characteristics(courtesy of Period 8: Jelani, Hez, Gary) • Marshes • Contain plants without strong woody stems. • Maybe fresh or saltwater • Swamps • Contain woody plants (i.e. trees and shrubs) • Wide variety of plants and animals. • Bogs • Freshwater wetlands found in cold regions. • Water meadows

14. Conserve • Because of their importance to our watersheds: We need to try our best to preserve, conserve and protect our wetlands