What are wetlands and how can we protect them?

What is a wetland?

A wetland is an area of land covered with water all or part of the year. The soil in wetlands can become waterlogged, which means that it is full of water, like a sponge.

Where are wetlands found?

The two main types of wetlands are freshwater and brackish or salty wetlands. A brackish wetland occurs where saltwater from the ocean mixes with freshwater from a river or stream. Mangroves and salt marshes are types of brackish or salty wetlands. Peatlands, marshes, and swamps are examples of freshwater wetlands.

Wetlands exist on all continents except Antarctica. Freshwater wetlands are found inland, and brackish wetlands are found in coastal areas.

Can you find the: 1) freshwater wetland and 2) brackish wetland on this diagram of the water cycle?

What kinds of organisms live in a wetland?

Wetlands are home to many types of plants, animals, fungi, and algae.

Dragonflies, fish, herons, frogs, turtles, and mollusks are wetland animals. Mammals – like beavers and otters – also live in wetlands.

Here are some examples of important wetlands around the world and some of the animals that live there:

Cattails, rushes, sedges, and water lilies are examples of wetland plants. Some plants that live in wetlands are called hydrophytes. Hydrophytes – like the lotus plant – are adapted to living in water. Another famous wetland plant is the carnivorous Venus flytrap. Wetland plants are adapted to survive in waterlogged soil.

Why are wetlands wonderful?

Here are some of the reasons why wetlands are important. They:

1. Clean and filter water
2. Help protect the land from erosion and floods
3. Store carbon
4. Provide food to many animals, including us
5. Make us feel happy

How can we protect and restore our wetlands?

Our wonderful wetlands need help to thrive. Here are a few actions you can take:

1. Learn more about wetlands. (Check out the list of resources below.)
2. Visit wetlands to appreciate their beauty! When you visit, tread lightly: stay on paths and boardwalks. Be mindful not to step on small or delicate plants.
3. Dispose of waste carefully. Litter is bad for wetland life.
4. Garden organically: avoid using pesticides and insecticides in home gardens.
5. Get involved! Participate in a wetland cleanup. Or help with a wetland restoration project in your local area.

Related activity (Grades 3-5)

Writing and art projects about animals of the Okavango Delta wetland

More learning resources

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