National Ground Water Association

By Kimberly Mullen, CPG

Students will understand the value of wetlands and the importance of protecting existing wetlands.

Throughout history, wetlands have played an important role in the evolutionary procress. Yet, few true wetlands exist today, due to massive destruction and draining of the wetland areas. Many people still do not see the importance of wetlands and wetland preservation.

Key points

1. Review the definition of wetlands—ask the students to give the three criteria and to explain (in their own words) each.
2. Ask the students, “Now that we know what a wetland is, what are some reasons that they are important?” Students should come up with a lot of different answers—these should include:
   • Biologic diversity (providing a home for specific plants and animals)
   • Flood control
   • Beauty
   • Groundwater recharge
   • A place to fish or hunt
   • A place for migrating waterfowl
   • A protected area or a park.
3. There are other things that wetlands can do. One important aspect of wetlands is that they can filter and clean water. They are often nicknamed the kidneys of the water cycle, because they can clean up the water.
   
   A lot of different government agencies and private companies are experimenting with using wetlands to clean up a variety of contamination from sewage to petroleum. Certain wetland plants such as bullrush, cattails, and water hyacinths can actually “suck up” the contamination like a straw.
   
   Wetlands also are being used for storm water controls. Rather than allowing muddy water to run directly into streams and causing sediment problems in the streams, water is directed into a wetland area, filtered naturally, and then slowly discharged back into the stream.
4. Lab Activity #1 — building a wetland filter.