Wetlands Poster - Grade School

Wetlands are a part of all our lives. They can generally be described as transitional areas between land and deepwater habitats. There are many different kinds of wetlands, and they can be found in many different habitat types, from forests to deserts; some are maintained by saltwater, others by freshwater. This poster shows general types of diverse wetlands and demonstrates how people and wetlands can benefit by living together. The diversity of plants and animals is shown in cartooned pictures. As with plants and animals, there are many different common names for the various wetland types. The common names used on this poster were used by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the publication "Wetlands Status and Trends in the Conterminous United States Mid-1970's to Mid-1980's." Estuarine wetland types--salt marshes and mangrove swamps--are labeled in red letters. The estuary is where ocean saltwater and river freshwater mix. The estuary is labeled in orange letters. The inland wetland types--inland marshes and wet meadows, forested wetlands, and shrub wetlands-are labeled in yellow. Other wetlands are present in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. The water bodies associated with these wetlands are labeled in black. The poster is folded into 8.5" x 11" panels; front and back panels can easily be photocopied.

Without water there would be no wetlands. The two main sources of water for wetlands are surface water and ground water. Surface water includes streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, and oceans. Ground water is water found in pores or cracks in sand, gravel, and rock beneath the land surface. Ground water can supply water to wetlands or obtain water from them. The ultimate source of both surface and ground water is precipitation-rain and snow. Protecting the quality and quantity of water in wetland environments is critical to the maintenance of these diverse ecosystems. By understanding and appreciating wetlands, people can help maintain them. Wetlands can be protected by limiting dredging, channelizing, or draining and by protecting the source of water for the wetlands.

Creating Human Access When trails or walkways are built, it is easier for people to explore wetlands. Trails also keep people in certain areas of the wetland to prevent the people from disturbing wildlife at critical times of their life cycle (nesting). Trails can be made from natural materials, such as wood chips or gravel. Wooden walkways also can be constructed. Care must be taken to minimize the disturbance of soils, vegetation, and the source of water. During certain times of the year, trails might need to be closed temporarily to protect wildlife or restore damaged plants.

Recreation Wetlands provide many benefits to people. Recreation is, however, the benefit most familiar to children and young adults. Hunting, fishing, boating, animal watching, and hiking are all recreational activities conducted in wetlands. Many children have memorable experiences looking for tadpoles, frogs, fish, and the great variety of insects and birds in wetlands.

ESTUARINE WETLANDS --

Wetlands that are affected by tides. The type of water can be freshwater or saltwater. These wetlands are important nursery habitats for many kinds of fishes and birds.

ESTUARINE WETLAND TYPES

Salt Marshes The type of water is saltwater, and the area is vegetated by salt-tolerant plants. Emergent plants, such as black rush, pickleweed, and spartina, are the most common vegetation type. Representative animals include blue heron, salmon smolt, and fiddler crabs. Salt marshes occur along the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf coasts, and along the Alaskan and Hawaiian coasts.