Where land and water meet.
Once considered worthless, North Carolina wetlands are now recognized as priceless resources for their roles in conserving water and providing habitat for wildlife.
What good is a Wetland?
Wetlands are like giant sponges that hold and slowly release water during floods.
Wetlands are filters that remove pollutants from water.
Wetland plants anchor the soil and land in place, preventing erosion.
Wetlands provide valuable food, shelter & breeding sites.
In the U.S. most of our seafood depends on wetlands for all or part of their life cycles.
Mosquito infested wastelands
Not long ago, people thought wetlands were worthless mosquito-infested wastelands. About half of our nation and North Carolina wetlands were destroyed and lost before we realized their full value and range of services. While we know better today, wetlands are still altered and lost every day.
Bog, Swamp, Fen, Pothole, or Marsh are just different names for wetlands. From Alaska to Louisiana, California to North Carolina, all wetlands have one thing in common: they must be soaked in water for at least some part of the year. This affects which plants and animals can survive and thrive there.
Temporary wetlands are critical to ensure survival of many species of frogs and salamanders. 95% of North Carolina temporary wetlands have been altered is some way?usually for housing development.
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