Wetlands 101 Freshwater Marsh Cara & Tara

Wetlands Wetlands are areas of land that are sometimes underwater or the soil contains a great deal of moisture. Wetlands are important because they control flooding, help replenish underground water, and they’re used as a nursery.

Freshwater Marsh Found in shallow areas along the shores of lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. The plants in the marsh vary on the depth of the location. Turtles, frogs, and other animals live in these areas. Grasses, reeds, bulrushes, and wild rice could be found in these areas The water is freshwater

Water Quality Water quality is how good or bad the water is, such as how polluted the water is. Water quality is important because if the water is polluted then everything could get sick and the marsh could die off, we rely on marshes for many things.

pH pH is how acidic or basic a solution is. Use compare strips to test the water pH is to low or high, it can kill the animals

Dissolved Oxygen Dissolved oxygen: how much oxygen is dissolved in water Test dissolved oxygen with an ampoule Dissolved oxygen is important because plants and animals in the water must have oxygen.

Water and Air Temperature Water and air temp.: how much gas is dissolved in water Measure temp. with a thermometer It is important because extreme temperatures make it hard for plants and animals to survive.

Turbidity Turbidity: the amount of dissolved material in the water. Measure turbidity with a secchi disk Turbidity is important because, if it is to cloudy plants can’t make food for fish