Wetlands

Wetlands are seasonally or permanently covered by shallow water, as well as lands where the water table is close to or at the surface. The four major types of wetlands are swamps, marshes, bogs and fens. Most wetlands in the ORM region are swamps, a wetland type with trees and shrubs in standing water. Swamp areas are wooded wetlands consisting of deciduous and coniferous trees such as White Elm, Red and Silver Maple, Black Ash, Hemlock, Tamarack, White Cedar and a variety of shrubs. Marshes are the most productive type of wetland and can be recognized by the presence of cattails, grasses and sedges and by the absence of trees. Wetlands provide enormous diversity to the natural landscape. They conserve water flow to maintain streams and the groundwater table. Their ability to store water can reduce the frequency and severity of flooding as well as drought. They are used as important habitat by hundred of species of wildlife and provide critical nesting habitat for many of these. Protecting wetlands can do a great deal to improve the natural environment.