1. A Presentation of the Madison County Park System PRESERVING OUR WETLANDS

2. Types of Wetlands  Freshwater marshes  Tidal marshes  Fens  Bogs  Swamps  Mangrove flats  Floodplains and deltas

3. Wetland Characteristics

4. Benefits of Wetlands  Wetlands are regions where soils, water, plants, and animals interact  These interactions generate healthy wildlife, fisheries, and forest resources  Flood control  Shoreline and storm protection  Nutrient retention and export

5. Mammals in the Wetlands Native Mammals MonotremesMarsupials Placental Mammals PlatypusPlanigales Kangaroos Koalas Wombats Rodents (rats) Bats Introduced Mammals Cows, foxes, goats, foxes, and sheep

6. Wetland Loss  Historic approach has been to drain wetlands to convert land for agricultural use  Approximately 80% of U.S. wetlands have been lost to agriculture  Approximately 50% of wetlands worldwide have been lost

7. Local Wetland Losses

9. Rate of Wetland Loss

10. Impacts of Wetland Loss  Floods—more damage to areas that were once wetlands  Water quality—more sediments, nutrients, and contaminants downstream  Animal habitats—loss of habitats for animals that inhabit wetlands