wetlands
Wetlands are incredible ecosystems that provide food and habitat to thousands of species, including diverse mammals, shorebirds and waterfowl, insects, plants, and countless microorganisms. But wetlands aren’t only important to wildlife; they help humans, too! Wetlands filter out pollutants from water, including nitrate which comes primarily from agricultural lands. They also provide extensive water storage on the landscape, acting like sponges that slow the flow of water downstream, storing water to be released in drier periods.
In Iowa alone, we have lost 90% of the original wetlands. That’s why the Water Rocks! team is so passionate about raising awareness about the many wonders of wetlands. We encourage educators, students, and families to get excited about this amazing natural resource, and get engaged in learning about how to help bring wetlands back!
Video Resources
Wetlands Have Real Important Jobs to Do
Incredible Wetlands – A Culture of Conservation series (Grades 6-12)
Enhanced Learning Activities
Wetlands Are Like Sponges (Grades 3-5)
Wetlands Have Real Important Jobs To Do – Worksheet | Answer Key (Grades 3-5)
A Culture of Conservation Activity Booklet (Grades 6-12) – pp. 14-15, 27, 39, 41
Additional Resources
Teacher’s Guide to Wetland Activities – Ducks Unlimited
Wetlands – National Park Service
Education and Outreach – Society of Wetland Scientists
Wetlands Implementation – Iowa State University | Iowa Learning Farms
Wetlands in Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach