If you paid attention to the initial Earth Day series post, I mentioned that today’s theme for watershed protection would be relationships. Well, this has nothing to do with love! I’m talking about analogies to help you understand how our valuable watersheds work:

Wetlands are like sponges: they hold water, thus preventing floods and keeping water levels normal. Excess water is stored and then released when needed.

Wetlands are like kidneys: they filter water, thus purifying it. Examples of elements they remove are nitrogen and phosphorus. High levels of these nutrients degrade water quality as bodies of water experience algal blooms, which deprives water and the life within of oxygen.

Wetlands are like supermarkets: they contain a diverse range of animals and plants. This supports the food chains that occur within these habitats.

Wetlands are like savings accounts: their value lies within its ability to yield what we receive, not what it yields (good analogy found at America’s Wetland). When we nurture and protect our wetlands — and not focus on direct benefits like hunting — we help maintain their ability to buffer cities from hurricanes, control erosion and floods, and supply water and life.

In a Nutshell

Why is it important to protect our wetlands? This is best explained by one of our water-cause partners, The Wetlands Initiative: Wetlands provide all of us with critical services. They remove pollutants and toxic substances, reduce flood and storm damages, provide important habitat for wildlife, recharge groundwater supplies, and provide valuable open space and recreational opportunities, such as fishing, hunting and bird watching. The value of wetlands is becoming ever more evident as they continue to be lost.

How can you make a difference? Don’t dump toxins and chemicals in your storm sewer. Don’t over-fertilize your lawn. Support wetlands conservation initiatives by public and private agencies. If you’re a land developer, please avoid wetlands and build upland instead.

(What is the Thirst for Giving x Earth Day series? Get the lowdown here.)

Have you ever visited wetlands? Tell me some of your best memories in the comments.