Water table is at or near land surface Saturated seasonally or permanently Swamps Marshes Bogs

 Water is received through runoff and rain  Periods of flood and drought support wildlife  Water is collected in soil and ponds  Plants grow and create oxygen  Water seeps into the ground and collects  Water evaporates and becomes clouds  Water is returned for a new cycle

 Catch and hold flood water  Recharge ground water  Filter excess sediment and organic matter  Remove excess minerals and toxins  Erosion buffer for ocean  Nursery for 2/3 of food fish and shellfish  Nursery for birds

 A continuous global process  Controls the earth’s climate  Protects against Green House Effect  Returns fresh water to earth  Replenishes ground water

 Birds  Alligators  Snails  Snakes  Trees  Plants