Wetlands
What is a wetland?
Wetlands are transitional areas between land and water. These areas are subject to permanent or temporary flooding or saturation that changes the character of the vegetation and soils. While some wetlands are noticeably wet, others do not always have visible water.
Michigan is fortunate to contain a diversity of wetland types ranging from broad expanses of coastal marsh to small isolated bogs. Although each wetland is unique, they share three interrelated characteristics of wetland hydrology, hydric soils, and wetland vegetation.
Michigan is fortunate to contain a diversity of wetland types ranging from broad expanses of coastal marsh to small isolated bogs. Although each wetland is unique, they share three interrelated characteristics of wetland hydrology, hydric soils, and wetland vegetation.
Wetlands are some of our most valuable resources –they are places of beauty that contribute greatly to the overall health of our environment and our quality of life. They provide untold functions and values that become increasingly important as we continue to lose them. Healthy wetlands protect water quality. They retain or remove nutrients and pollutants, acting as “nature’s kidneys.” Wetlands are also “nature’s nurseries,” providing vital habitat to fish, wildlife, and waterfowl. Wetlands control flooding by acting as a sponge. They decrease flood peaks and safeguard downstream property owners. They temporarily store flood waters and replenish ground water supplies. In their natural condition, wetlands associated with rivers and lakes function as a barrier to erosion.
