1. Wetlands
6th Grade

2. Wetland: a land area that is covered with a shallow layer of water during some or all of the year.

3. 3 types of freshwater wetlands
1) Marshes
2) Swamps
3) Bogs

4. Marshes Grassy areas covered by shallow water or a stream
Have tall, grass-like plants

5. Swamps
Look like flooded forests, with trees and shrubs sprouting from the water
Most are in warm, humid climates

6. Bogs Common in northern areas Occur in cooler climates
Formed by depressions left by melting ice sheets thousands of years ago
Acidic water
Mosses thrive here

7. Bogs

8. What are the Everglades?

9. Everglades
A unique region of wetlands in southern Florida where a shallow ground with sawgrass is covered in water
4,000 square miles

10. Why are the Everglades Important?
Provide habitats for many rare or endangered species
Waste materials can be absorbed by plants
Natural water filters
Help control floods by absorbing extra runoff from heavy rains

11. Why are the Everglades in Danger?
Agriculture –farming has accidentally leeched chemicals into the slow-moving waters of the marsh, upsetting the balance of nutrients
Development –wetlands have been filled in for farming
Introduction of invasive species to the environment
Water that once flowed into the Everglades from other sources has been diverted for farming and household use

12. Invasive Species! Can spread throughout new ecosystems
Burmese Python

13. Everglades are home to many THREATENED and ENDANGERED animals

14. American Alligator --threatened

15. American Crocodile --threatened

16. Arctic Peregrine Falcon -threatened

17. Atlantic Ridley Turtle -Endangered

18. Florida Panther --Endangered

19. West Indian Manatee --endangered

20. Piping Plover --threatened

21. Wood Stork -endangered