Wetlands ['wĕt-lăndz]

Ecosystems that either have shallow water standing above the soil surface or have a soil saturated with water for periods of time.

There are lots of official definitions for wetlands, and also many different kinds of wetlands. Wetlands are wild, wet, mucky, and stinky. And they are incredibly important to our environment. They clean water and provide homes and food for animals. They control floods and provide food for humans. The soil might be damp to the touch and glisten with liquid, or be cracked and dry. You might see plants that are adapted for living in wet soil, hear frogs, or see salamanders. Wetlands are fascinating places to visit.

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