Wetlands – Unique, Productive and Valuable

Wetlands species including Softstem Rush, Torrey's Rush and Japanese Millet and Frog Fruit

Historically wetlands were viewed as being useless, tracts of land full of diseases. Today however, wetlands rank equally with tropical rain forests and coral reefs in terms of environmental importance, productivity and biodiversity. As such, wetlands encompass many values including recreational, historical, scientific, and cultural. Wetlands are typically identified by:

1. The presence of surface water for at least part of the year;
2. Soils that are uniquely different to those found in adjacent uplands because they are water-logged; and
3. Hydrophytic or aquatic plants, i.e., they are adapted to growing in water or saturated soils.

Lorenz's OK Seeds, proud to be a member of Ducks Unlimited

The term wetland covers a wide array of “types” including inland rivers, lakes and peat swamps, coastal lagoons, estuaries and human-made wetlands. Regardless of their “type” wetlands provide vital transitional areas between land and water.  Subsequently, they play major roles in maintaining water quality; providing food and habitat for fish and wildlife; mitigation of flood and erosion damage. Additionally, we enjoy wetlands for hiking, bird watching, canoeing, horse riding, photography and similar recreational activities. …Continue reading about Wetlands – Unique, Productive and Valuable