May is officially designated as American Wetland Month, bringing awareness and appreciation for the wetlands not only in the United States but also the world. For twenty years now the United States has officially recognized this month in an attempt to halt the alarming loss of wetlands across the country.

Before we discuss the losses and the actions being taken to reverse those losses let us look at the definition of a wetland.

WHAT IS A WETLAND?

A wetland is defined as a land area that is saturated with water either permanently or seasonally but in such a manner that it becomes its own ecosystem complete with flora and fauna distinctive to that ecosystem. The important characteristic of a wetland is its soil structure which is hydric in nature.

Wetlands are composed of either saltwater, freshwater or brackish water and they are found on every continent except Antartica. They will sometimes be called swamps, marshes, bogs and other such designations.

WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT?

The role that wetlands play in the environment is an important one. Not only do they provide a home for a variety of plants and animals but they also serve the following purposes:

· Water purification

· Flood control

· Shoreline stability

· Water cycle sustainability

· Storm protection



