Wisconsin Wetlands

From the sedge meadows of southern Wisconsin to the spruce bogs in the north, wetlands cover a wide array of landscapes. They share in common the ability to support aquatic or "water loving" plants, and provide habitat for more species of plants and animals than any other type of landscape in Wisconsin.

Habitat is not their only functional value. Wetlands can also store water to prevent flooding, purify water, protect lake and stream shores from eroding and provide recreational opportunities for wildlife watchers, anglers, hunters, and boaters.

But Wisconsin only has about half of the 10 million acres that were present in 1848 due to farm drainage and filling for development and roads. Laws have slowed their loss, but wetlands continue to be destroyed and degraded. Invasive plants, like purple loosestrife and reed canary grass, are crowding out native plants and harming habitat. Overuse of groundwater and increasing stormwater from development starves or drowns wetlands plants.

Every one of us can help protect, preserve, and restore these wonderlands. If you're a property owner, learn whether you have a wetland on your land and familiarize yourself with laws protecting the wetland. Or consider restoring wetlands that may have been drained on your property.

We all can help reverse the decline in Wisconsin wetland acreage and quality. Take a walk in the marsh, and don't forget your boots!