Sunday is World Wetlands Day and Ausable Bayfield Wetlands Specialist Angela Van Niekerk said wetlands provide a range of benefits that many of us take for granted.
She said they can absorb flooding from storms, function as shock absorbers, and buffer properties in extreme weather. Wetlands can also absorb carbon, and filter water by removing some sediments along with excess nutrients and pollutants.
Wetlands currently provide habitat for over 600 species of plants and animals as provide recreational opportunities for people, like hiking, hunting, canoeing, and photography.
Van Niekerk said wetlands restoration projects are usually initiated by the landowner.
“It's typically on flooded fields that are too wet to work and they have really low yields or it even could be some areas in flood plains, at the edge of the flood plain, towards the bank,” said Van Niekerk.
More information about World Wetlands Day can be found on the ABCA website.
