Spring
2001
This
issue of Puddler explains why wetlands
are such valuable ecosystems. Children
discover that wetlands not only benefit plants and animals, but people,
too. A large percentage of endangered and threatened wildlife in the
United States depends on wetlands, a point that is discussed in “More
About.” A new feature called “Try
it!” offers a closer look at water chemistry through hands-on
experiments and thoughts from a DU biologist who helps design wetland
projects.
Special
Feature:
“Wetlands are Winners”
A wetland is a type of habitat located
between aquatic and upland habitats. It typically has wet soils and
supports plants adapted to wet living conditions. Wetlands look different
depending on the sources of water they are associated with. Some are
dominated by tall grasses, others by trees. Some are filled with freshwater,
or saltwater, or a mixture of both. All wetlands offer valuable habitat
for wildlife and recreational opportunities for people. Many also provide
natural flood control and help improve water quality.
View
full text of this story.
More
About...“Wetlands
and Wildlife in Danger”
The Endangered Species Act protects rare plants and
animals in the United States. All living things protected by the Act
are listed as endangered (likely to become extinct without protection)
or threatened (likely to become endangered without protection). Many
of the approximately 1,200 species listed at this time spend part or
all of their lives in wetlands. As wetlands have disappeared, so have
the plants and animals dependent on them. Luckily, the Endangered Species
Act, along with other government legislation, protects wetlands and
their associated wildlife. In addition, private organizations like Ducks
Unlimited are working to save these special habitats.
View
full text of this story.
K-3
activity
4-6
activity
Try It!:
Wonderful Water
Water seems like a basic substance, but it has some
very amazing properties and is essential to life on Earth. Water is
a finite resource: it gets recycled again and again via the Water Cycle.
Wetland waters are important to many animals, such as amphibians (which
lay eggs in water and which grow up in water as well). When designing
wetland projects, Ducks Unlimited biologists must understand how water
flows into and out of a wetland, as well as how to control water levels
to maintain a healthy balance of plant and animal life.
View
full text of this story.
