Why do wetlands matter?

Wetlands are amazing ecosystems. They provide many important environmental benefits, including:

• Water quality – Wetlands naturally remove pollutants and harmful nutrients from runoff, ensuring they don’t end up in our rivers and lakes. 
• Flood and drought prevention – Wetlands act like natural sponges, holding water during wet periods and releasing it during dry periods. 
• Climate change solutions – Wetlands store huge amounts of carbon. If wetlands are destroyed, this carbon is released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
• Biodiversity – Wetlands provide essential habitat for thousands of species of plants, animals and insects.
• Recreation and learning – Wetlands give us natural places to play, learn and explore. They are destinations for hiking, hunting, canoeing, photography and more.