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Wetlands are important to our wor1d; they are one of our best resources. Wetlands are Marshes. Wetlands are widely inhabited areas and because of the fact that we tend to destroy wetlands for business and homes we lose more than we gain. For instance, we lose threatened and endangered species, habitat for other numerous wildlife species such as whitetail deer, ruffed grouse, and waterfowl. In addition, we lose protection from the water quality and protection from flooding. This is one of the biggest problems with losing endangered, threatened or non-threatened species. The rest of the inhabitants include: Orchids, (29 species in Wisconsin), ferns, mosses (including club mosses ), various flowers, rabbits, birds, squirrels, raccoons, chipmunks, deer, cattails, tall grass, and bears. Their surroundings and climate in their habitat determine the growth of the species. All of the animals listed above and many more have had their homes taken away many times. These are the inhabitants ofDoor County Wetlands.

How it helps our resources: We live off air and water and we must keep these resources clean; wetlands help us keep them clean. Wetlands help our water by acting as a filter. When run-off water flows through a marsh it absorbs the pollutants and by then the water is nearly pure. Wetlands help our air by the tree leaves consuming the carbon dioxide and transfonning all of the consumed carbon dioxide into pure, fresh oxygen. Wetlands also produce coal and produce many more resources. This is how Door County Wetlands help and produce our resources.

How they protect us: Floods and hurricanes cause a great amount of damage. Along with filtering the water, wetlands help prevent the water from destroying villages, towns, and cities. Because there are numerous amounts of trees, ditches, dunes, and tip-ups all of the floods and hurricanes have a hard time getting through. Wetlands cannot always or completely deter floods and hurricanes, sometimes they get through but, wetlands can still help prevent floods and hurricanes. To help protect yourself, you must help wetlands and keep them clean and alive. This is how Door County wetlands help protect us.

How they regenerate but can still be destroyed: To keep wetlands alive we must protect them but, we cannot protect them from natural disasters. Still, wetlands can regenerate after natural disasters, even after severe damage. Though this still doesn't mean it's okay to leave pollution in wetlands, because wetlands cannot survive when infected by pollutants. They can only survive natural damage because natural damage does not contain anything radioactive that might severely affect its growth and reproduction. wmch fs why we shouldn't pollute wetlands even though they can regenerate (from natural damage only) after damage. This is how Door County wetlands can regenerate but can still be destroyed.

How they can be fun: We all know how biologically they are good for us but howare they spiritually good for us? Sometimes we need a little solitary mediation and wetlands are perfect tor this purpose. Almost never do people go into wetland so all you hear is the animals. With ali that fresh air flowing through the wetlands you feel more alive, you feel rejuvenated. So taking a walk through a wetlands for mediation is a good way to clear your mind of negative thoughts. This is how Door County wetlands can be fun and rejuvenating.

 

Door County Environmental Council
P O Box 114, Fish Creek WI 54212
Phone: 920-743-6003 | FAX: 920-743-6727
Info@dcec-wi.org