Based on the research of Dr. Stuart Findlay and colleagues
As you may have guessed, wetlands are places where the ground is wet for at least a portion of the year. It is useful that the word “wetland” carries meaning for most people, but at the same time it hides the fact that there are many different types of wetlands—and how they become wet makes a big difference in how they function.
Contrasting two types of wetlands
The lowland areas before you are wet because they receive runoff water from the adjacent stream during floods and because they lose water very slowly after receiving rainwater or snowmelt water. Contrast this with the tidal wetlands along the Hudson River, where tides move water back and forth every six hours, changing the water’s depth by about three feet.
Why wetlands are valuable
Cary’s wetlands exchange water much less frequently than the Hudson’s tidal wetlands. Nevertheless, the fact that water comes in contact with wetland vegetation and soils allows many changes to occur. Sediment can settle out, nutrients are taken up by plants and microbes, and some pollutants are removed. The gentle movement of water also allows small organisms and fishes to find refuge from fast currents and larger predators.
In many cases, wetlands are also used as sites for reproduction. This is best exemplified by the chorus of mating frogs, such as peepers, in the spring. Because of the valuable services they provide, wetlands are afforded some protection from development.
Protecting our wetlands
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation protects wetlands above 12.4 acres and many local municipalities have chosen to extend protection to smaller wetlands too.
Fortunately, research and education have persuaded many people that wetlands are valuable places in the landscape to be treasured and enjoyed.