Wetlands Arc Wonderlands!
an illustrated guide to wetlands
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WetKimis are Wonderlands!
An Illustrated Guide to Wetlands ¦
,, '¦ ' WETLANDS FACTS •
* Wetlands are areas that, at least periodically, have waterlogged soils and, at certain times of the
- year, may have standing water from a few inches to a foot or more in depth. ,
W Wetlands have water, unique soils and plants adapted to wet conditions. - • ,
W Wetlands receive water from two main sources: surface water which is rainwater or runoff (rain that
runs off of the land), or water from waterbodies such as streams, rivers, ponds or oceans. Wetlands
are also fed from water under the ground - seeping groundwater or even underground springs.
W Humans and beavers also build wetlands. Beaver dams on rivers and streams can flood large areas
and turn meadows into marshes and parts of forests into swamplands. Sometimes, state and
federal game and fish agencies flood an area so waterfowl will have places to breed.
W s Wetlands can be freshwater or saltwater. They may include marshes, swamps, ponds, fens,
bogs, and bottomlands. ' , !
¥ Wetlands are not wastelands! They act as water purifiers, cleaning the water before it exits by
removing and retaining nutrients, processing wastes and trapping sediment.
H Wetlands help prevent floods by catching, storing and slowly releasing runoff. In coastal areas,
wetlands protect against storm damage by absorbing the brunt of ocean storms as they hit shore.
1 Wetlands provide habitat for wildlife. About one-third of America's threatened and endangered
species are supported by wetlands.
W Wetlands are important for timber production. They also serve as marine fish and shellfish ,
nurseries.
W Wetlands provide wonderful recreational opportunities like fishing and hunting, canoeing,
swimming, and wildlife observation.
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to Nature's Nursery
Baby Raccoons
Beavers
urn
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Turtles
Bab\ Ducks
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Newtlets
This program has hcon ct»opcrau\cly sponsored by l-.PA Region IV Wcilunds Planning Unii and TV A Environment! Educmion Section.
Wetlands are nature's nurseries
for young birds, mammals, fish,
frogs, turtles, snakes, crayfish
and aquatic insects. Thick plant
cover and shallow water makes
them a good place to hide and
the rich food supply gets babies
off to a good start.
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s are Wonderlands!
An Illustrated Guide to Wetlands
To the Teacher;
Bogs, swamps and marshes make up one of our environment's most important ecosystems. Called
wetlands, these places are land areas which are wet some or most of the time. They are often transition
zones that lie between dry land and waterways, but some are more isolated. Wetlands are wet enough
to support an abundance of vegetation adapted to saturated or soggy soil conditions. They are
recognized as some of the most productive natural areas in the world.
There are many different types of wetlands; they can be freshwater or saltwater. They may include
marshes, swamps, ponds, fens, bogs, and bottomlands. Georgia is blessed with a vast array of
wetlands, from cypress swamps and bottomland hardwoods along the Flint, Alcovy, Altamaha and
Savannah Rivers, to isolated coastal and mountain bogs. Georgia's largest and best-known wetland is,
of course, the Okefenokee Swamp. But we also have wetlands called Carolina bays, and limesinks or
sinkholes. The coastal salt marshes that inspired Sidney Lanier's poem. "The Marshes of Glynn," are
also wetlands.
Wetlands are valuable ecosystems for many different reasons. Acting as the kidneys of the Earth, they
can filter pollutants in water flowing from agricultural lands and urban areas into streams, rivers and
other water bodies. This helps clean our drinking water and can ultimately reduce treatment costs.
Wetlands trap sediments. They also modify local climate and, depending on conditions, wetlands may
also recharge underground aquifers.
Wetlands serve as breeding grounds, and benefit fish and wildlife by providing habitat and supporting
the food chain. One-third of our rare and endangered species need critical wetland habitat at some
point in their life cycle.
Economically, most wetlands in their natural condition provide annual market and non-market benefits
that are estimated to be worth $10,000 - $30,000 per acre. They are important for timber production,
and serve as marine fish and shellfish nurseries. One acre of river swamp may produce as much as
1,300 pounds of fish each year. .., more
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Wetlands are Wonderlands!
An Illustrated Guide to Wetlands
Wetlands are also beautiful natural areas to enjoy and study. They provide a variety of recreational
opportunities such as fishing and hunting, canoeing, swimming, photography, and wildlife observation.
Despite their beauty and importance, Georgia is losing wetlands rapidly. The filling of wetlands for
residential and commercial development, dredging and stream channelization, and timber and crop
production result in damages to vital wetlands ecosystems.
Georgia has lost almost one-fourth of the 6.8 million acres of wetlands which existed in the 1700s, and
continues to lose approximately 7.000 acres annually. One of the best ways to protect our wetlands is
to learn about their value to our quality of life.
As educators, we invite you to use this resource to enable your students to understand the significant
value of wetlands. By understanding the importance of natural systems, our children will be better
prepared to make responsible decisions that will protect and enhance the quality of our wetlands.
About Wetlands arc Wonderlands
Wetlands are Wonderlands was designed as a ready resource on wetlands for teachers of the primary
grades. The activity book contains a brief fact sheet on wetlands, age-appropriate activities, nine
illustrations of wetland scenes as well as additional resources teachers can turn to for further
information.
We hope you will use Wetlands are Wonderlands in other disciplines besides science. Of course,
visiting a wetland is the best way to study these wet treasures. Check with your local park service for
bogs, marshes or swamps near you.
Have a wet and wonderful time!
1 For copies of "Wetlands Are Wonderlands," or to find out more about Georgia's environment, please contact The
Georgia Conservancy, 1776 Peachtree Street NW, Suite 400 South, Atlanta, GA 30309, 404/876-2900.
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^ HELP SAVE
^OUR WETLANDS
Canoeing
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This program has been cooperatively sponsored by EPA Region IV Wetlands Planning Unit and TVA Environmental Education Section
Birdwatching
1 he intermingling
of sun, land, water, and plants
creates this rich and unique
wetland habitat.
But the single most important
influence on wetlands
is people.
Over 115 million acres of wetlands
have been drained for agriculture,
timber production, mosquito control,
and urban development.
You can help save
the remaining wetlands
by supporting wetland
conservation efforts and by buying
duck stamps at your local post office.
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IT'S SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST
Water Oak
Spring
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Xrees such as the
Sycamore, Black
Willow, Water and
Overcup Oaks,
River Birch and
Hackberry have
adapted to the
rising and falling
water levels in
the swamp.
Summer ^
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Sycamore
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They survive
by remaining
dormant during
floods in early
spring and
growing when
soils dry out in
late spring and
summer.
This program has been cooperatively
sponsored by EPA Region IV
Wetlands Planning Unit and TV A
Environmental Education Section.
Black
Willow
Overcup
Oak
Clau&a 0*«rbN 'ti_
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Northern Parula
Common Yellowlhroat
Songbirds brighten
the dark swamp forest
with their beautiful
songs, especially the
golden Prothonotary
Warbler. This water-
loving bird sings out
"sweet, sweet, sweet."
Daily concert times:
6-9 am and 4-7 pm.
syjeet-sweet-sweer-SH,
Prothonotary Warbler
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This program has been cooperatively sponsored hy HP A Region IV Wetlands Planning Unn
and TV A linvironmonlal hducation Section.
Easy
LISTENING
whee-whee-whee-whip-poor- will
Swainson's Warbler
witchity-witchity-witchity-wit
bzzzzzzzzzz-zip
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EAT OR BE EATEN at the Wetlands Cafe
MINK
SNAPPING TURTLE
HUMAN
BLUE HERON
BASS
WOOD DUCK
WATER SNAKE
MUSKRAT
CRAYFISH
BLUEG1LL
PICKEREL FROG
DRAGONFLY
NYMPH
TADPOLE
LARGE PLANTS
, c^a\r> he >0,y, do""0
Vhe <°od C \»tt «lhe msec* ^ ^
deid ^cvet'v4- ot&>c W°xe\t^
Het£ mW U Cr^
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\ This program has been cooperatively sponsored
\ by EPA Region IV Wetlands Planning Unit and
I \ TVA Environmental Education Section.
MAYFLY NYMPH
SMALL
CRUSTACEANS
TUBIFEX WORMS
MINERALS
MICROSCOPIC
ANIMALS
BACTERIA
AND
FUNGI
ALGAE
DETRITUS
ClAI/Q/A PfNTOH Itei
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*
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Painted turtles and
pond sliders prefer quiet
shallow waters with muddy
bottoms and lots of plants
and animals to eat.
Groups commonly
gather on old floating logs
or rocks to bask in the sun.
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This program has been tonperulitcly sponsored by l-l'A Key ion IV Wetlands Planning Unii and TVA Environmental Edueat ion Seel ion.
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Migratory birds and
waterfowl routinely
stop at wetland sites
on route to their
summer and winter
homes. Here they
refuel on a rich supply
of insects and berries
before continuing
their journeys.
Many also nest and
winter in wetlands.
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This program has been cooperatively >ponsoreil by HPA Region IV We
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from
ROOTS
to
RATHOUSES
Muskrats are seldom seen far
from water. Digging their burrows
| or "rathouses" into the creekbank,
they routinely swim nose up into
the marshy edges of the swamp
and feed on clams, crayfish
and cattail roots.
' iW-'-V r - ~ ^
iX' / jfnj: I ;/'/ Muskral House ¦ ,
A" I in Creekbank '
I.; ' i
fo Burrow
w:
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This program hat been cooperatively sponsored by EPA Region IV Wetlands Planning Unit and TV A Environmental Education Section.
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Spotted
Jewelweed
Tiny organisms in the soil
and on plant roots break
down pollutants into
nutrients the plants
n . .\ can absorb.
THE
DIRT
STOPS
HERE
Wetland plants slow
incoming stormwaters
causing sediment
suspended in the water to
settle out among the plant
stems. Organisms living on
the stems and roots of the
plants absorb and break
down pollutants.
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An Illustrated Guide to Wetlands
Classroom Activities
The following activities have been developed for use with the wetland illustrations found in
this booklet. Several of these activities can be easily integrated into other curriculum areas
besides science such as language arts, social studies, and of course, art.
Welcome to Nature's Nursery . . . Creating Your Own Wetlands Community
By creating a ciassroom mural of a wetland, students can become familiar with plants and
animals who call the wetlands home.
(D Prior to introducing the unit on wetlands, prepare a simple background scene of a wetland
as a wall-sized mural ("Welcome to Nature's Nursery" is a good example of a wetland
background). Illustrate only a rudimentary example of the scene, to allow the students to
fill in the various elements in a wetland as they become familiar with them.
© With the students, begin with the illustration titled "Welcome to Nature's Nursery." Discuss
with students the basic characteristics of wetlands. Other pictures of different types of
wetlands would also be useful. Point out the different plants and animals in the "nursery."
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An Illustrated Guide to Wetlands
Your Own Wet Treasure
Freshwater, semi-terrestrial, and salt water aquaria are wonderful classroom tools for learning
about wetland plants and animals. Students should be involved in all aspects of creating and
maintaining the aquaria. This activity is particularly effective following a field trip to a nearby
wetland (Note: if plants are collected in the wild, care must be taken to avoid collecting
threatened or endangered organisms. Plant nurseries and some hardware stores sell
nursery-grown aquatic plants, such as pitcher plants, water lilies and Venus flytraps).
CD Introduce the project by discussing the variety of sensory experiences provided by
wetlands. What would the water look like? How would it smell? How would the ground
feel? Would it be mushy? What plants and animals would be present?
© To set up an aquarium, place washed gravel on the bottom of the tank. Put a piece of
plastic or foil on top of the gravel so you can add water without disturbing the layer of
gravel. For a shallow tank, use an aerator hose and change the water frequently. Partially
fill the tank with water that has been aged for 24 hours. Add plants and animals
appropriate for the type of wetland you are creating. Check your local aquatic supply
store, garden center or pet shop for plants and animals. Please do not "adopt" plants or
animals from wetland areas. Leave them to thrive in their natural habitats.
® To manage and maintain the aquaria, divide the students into job groups such as
"chemists" who will sample the water weekly and keep written records; "plumbers" who
will check for leaks, monitor the water level and add appropriate amounts of water when
necessary; "chefs" who prepare food for the inhabitants, observe the animals feeding and
keep teachers informed about food stocks; and'vets" who decide when additional plants
and animals can be added to the community and remove any ailing or dead plants and
animals.
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Wetlands are Wonderlands!
An Illustrated Guide to Wetlands
Eat or Be Eaten at the Wetlands Cafe . . .
Understanding the Life-Sustaining Food Web
By constructing their own food web, students will learn what a wonderful marketplace wetlands
are and how they form the basis of the food web. The interdependence of all living organisms is
well illustrated in this activity as children learn what animals eat and who eats them.
(D Begin this activity with a discussion of the illustration. "Eat or Be Eaten at the Wetlands
Cafe." Discuss the concepts of herbivore, carnivore, predator and prey. The illustrations
"From Roots to Rathouses" and "Dine & Dash" also show how wetlands are a vital food
source for birds, mammals and waterfowl.
® Make a list of plants and animals that live in or use wetlands. Have the students research
the animals' food habits and their predators.
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Wetlands are Wonderlands!
An Illustrated Guide to Wetlands
The Dirt Stops Here ...
Understanding How Wetlands Filter Pollutants
A classroom demonstration of how wetland plants slow the flow of water will help students
understand the important role wetlands play in cleaning our water and reducing the
potential of flooding.
® Utilizing the illustration/The Dirt Stops Here," explain how organisms living on the stems
and roots of wetland plants absorb and break down pollutants,
© Put a few drops of food coloring in a glass jar filled with water. Compare the food coloring
to chemicals and other pollutants washed into our rivers and streams. Place a celery stalk
in the colored water overnight.
® Have the students monitor the celery's ability to absorb the food coloring just as wetland
plants help absorb pollutants. Point out that if it weren't for wetlands, many of these
pollutants could eventually contaminate rivers, lakes, streams and other sources of drinking
water. Also point out that wetlands, like all ecosystems, have a finite capacity to absorb
pollutants. The best solution is to reduce or eliminate sources of pollution.
Wetlands Mystery Book
After the children have researched wetlands and the plants and animals that live there,
they will enjoy creating and playing this mystery game.
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Wetlands are Wonderlands!
An Illustrated Guide to Wetlands
Help Save Our Wetlands
Utilizing the knowledge students have gained about wetlands, they can become strategists
for designing creative campaigns for saving and protecting wetlands.
® Using their knowledge of wetlands, have the students develop a "survey" for use in their
neighborhood.
© Using chart paper, have the students create questions to test their neighbors' knowledge
of wetlands.
© Give the students several days to collect their data. Upon completion, have the students
discuss their findings and how educated their neighbors are about wetlands.
© Based on their findings, have the students design T-shirts, bumper stickers, stamps and
posters which tell the importance of wetlands. Encourage the creation of catchy slogans.
Provide a variety of art media including fabric markers. Have each child provide a
cotton-blend T-shirt.
Other Activities
Wet Treasure Poems
Provide a variety of wetland plant and animal templates, large enough for the children to write
poetry in large letters. Encourage a variety of poetry forms in addition to rhyming verse such as
haiku, cinquains, couplets or triplets. Creativity, humor and mutual acceptance will help make
this activity fun and successful.
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Wetlands are Wonderlands!
An Illustrated Guide to Wetlands
Songs of the Wetlands
The following songs, sung to familiar tunes, are ideal for primary-grade schoolchildren.
Children may want to write their own wetland verses.
Ten Little Draaon flies (Sung to "10 Little Indian Boys")
One little, two little, three little dragonflies,
Four little, five little, six little dragonflies.
Seven little, eight little, nine little dragonflies,
Ten looking for mosquitoes.
Ten little, nine little, eight little dragonflies.
Seven little, six little, five little dragonflies,
Four little, three little, two little dragonflies.
One left to eat mosquitoes.
Arrow Arum in the marsh, growing like a spear.
Wood ducks and muskrats eat your fruit, and insects disappear.
(Note: the flowers of this plant attract insects, making arums a favorite hang-out for frogs!)
Did You Every See a Heron? (Sung to "Did You Ever See a Lassie")
Did you ever see a heron, a heron, a heron?
Did you ever see a heron go fishing for food?
He's big but he's qui-et; he lifts each foot carefully.
Did you ever see a heron go fishing for food?
Did you ever see a muskrat, a muskrat, a muskrat?
Did you ever see a muskrat swimming in a pond?
He likes to eat cattails and arrowheads and crayfish.
Did you ever see a muskrat swimming in a pond?
Did you ever see a buttonbush, a buttonbush, a buttonbush?
Did you ever see a buttonbush growing in the marsh?
The muskrats and ducks eat the seeds from its branches.
Did you ever see a buttonbush growing in the marsh?
(Sung to "Row, Row, Row, Row Your Boat")
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Information
: . ' 1
Wetlands Protection Hotline
1-800-832-7828
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Toll-free service for public interest questions
and requests for publications on wetland func-
tions,. values and options for protection.
Instructional Materials
,
Wading Into Wetlands: Ranger Rick's
Naturescope
National Wildlife Federation - Laurel Ridge
8925 Leesburg Pike
Vienna, VA 22180
WOW! (The Wonder of Wetlands)
Environmental Concern, Inc.
P.O. Box P
St. Michaels, MD 21663
Discover Wetlands ¦
Publications Office
Washington State Department of Ecology
Mail Stop PV-11
Olympia, WA 98504-8711 v
Wild About Wetlands
Ida Cason Callaway Foundation
Pine Mountain. GA 31822
Hands-On Nature
Vermont Institute of Natural Science/
Woodstock, Vermont 05091
A Teacher's Guide to the Study of
Wetlands
Available through the Wetlands Protection
Hotline
1-800-832-7828
Wetlands - Wonders Worth Saving:
Life in a Freshwater Marsh and Life in a
Saltwater Marsh
National Audubon Society
950 Third Ave.
New York, New York 10022
American Wetlands • A Reason to
Celebrate
Terrene Institute
1717 K Street, N.W., Suite 801
Washington, D.C. 200006
/
Audubon Society Nature Guides; Wetlands
William A, Niering
Alfred A. Knopf Inc. Publishers, 1992
National Audubon Society
700 Broadway
New York, N.Y. 10003
! '
Other Materials
Stream of Conscience .\ . Natural
Solutions for Clean Water (videotape)
The Georgia Conservancy ,
1776 Peachtree St., NW, Suite 400 South
Atlanta. Georgia 30309
Wetlands, Georgia's Vanishing Treasure
(videotape)
The Georgia Conservancy
1776 Peachtree St. NW, Suite 400 South
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
Fabulous Wetlands with Bill Npe ¦ The
Science Guy (videotape)
Washington State Department of Ecology
Wetlands Section
Mail Stop PV-11
Olympia. WA 98504
(
Willa in Wetlands (play)
Peyton Lewis, playwright. Available from the
Wetlands Protection Hotline 1-800-832-
7828" . , . ,, ¦ .
Play, in the form of script with accompany-
ing teacher's guide, shows the many values
of wetlands. •
Posters ¦
Posters are available through the EPA
Wetlands Hotline, 1-800-832-7828, or by.
contacting the Region IV office at this
address:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Wetlands Planning Unit
345 Courtland St, NE
Atlanta, GA 30365
Computer Software
Wetlands Education System
(developed by David Johannesen and James
Gurganus)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Region V
77'West Jackson Boulevard
Chicago, IL 60604-3590
Contact: Water Compliance Branch
A Recycled and Recyclable Paper
i
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Wetlands are Wonderlands!
Developed in partnership with
The Georgia Conservancy
¦' ¦ ¦ ¦ /
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
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