Do You Ever Wonder Why It's Important to Save the Wetlands?

Maybe it's because I live in Miami and there is a lot of talk about saving the Everglades, but do you ever wonder why it's so important to save these wetlands? If you are a casual observer driving up (or down) I-75 (affectionately known as Alligator Alley), you may see some of the big guys lounging by the side of the road. These huge alligators are fenced in, but there must be a reason why we want to save and protect alligators and other animals that inhabit these wet and marshy locales.

The 3 values of wetlands

It's not only about the birds, fish and other wildlife that live in the wetlands. Wetlands and the natural processes that take place in and because of the wetlands, and the purpose that wetlands fill affect humans too.

1. Storage facility for excess water.Think of a wetland like you would a normal kitchen sponge. If you fill your sink with water and place the sponge in it, the sponge soaks up as much of the water as it can. Wetlands are nature's sponge. It soaks up excess water during floods, and stores the water, slowly releasing it into the environment as it is needed. This release of water waters parched ground during dry periods.


2. Water filter.When water reaches a wetland and is absorbed by native plants, pollutants, fertilizer and other contaminants in the water drop to the bottom. When the water leaves the wetland, it is cleaner than when it arrived. Environmental managers build water filtration systems modeled after the natural filtration system of the wetlands.

3.Wetlands are one of the most diverse ecosystems. The variance and amount of species that live in and are supported by the wetlands is as great as the rain forest and coral reefs. The lush vegetation and shallow water creates an environment where fish and wildlife flourish. Energy given off by the plant life is passed to fish, wildlife, waterfowl and humans. This also helps nurture the shellfish and commercial fishing industry.

So saving the wetlands is not just about the plants, fish and wildlife that inhabit them. Saving the wetlands ultimately saves us too. Acting as a natural water agent, filtration system and energy producer, the wetlands provide a naturally better environment for its inhabitants and humans.