Wetland Conservation

Wetlands are places where land is covered with water for part of the year. Swamps, marshes, and bogs are all wetlands. Many animals and plants live there. Wetlands also help clean water and stop floods. People work to protect these special places.

Why Wetlands Are Important

Wetlands are like sponges that soak up extra rain. This helps keep towns from flooding. They also clean water by filtering out dirt. Many birds, fish, and frogs need wetlands to survive. Wetlands are one of the busiest homes in nature.

How People Help

People protect wetlands by making them into special parks. Laws stop people from building on them. Volunteers plant native plants and remove trash. Scientists study wetland animals to keep them safe. Kids can help by learning about wetlands and visiting them.

Fun Facts

• Wetlands are sometimes called the 'kidneys of the Earth' because they clean water.
• More than one-third of endangered animals in the U.S. live in wetlands.
• The Everglades in Florida is one of the biggest wetlands in the world.

Did You Know?

A single acre of wetland can store more than one million gallons of water. That is a lot of flood protection.