Wetlands:
Wonderlands Not Wastelands
Part Two

Early explorers called Wisconsin "the Great Swamp," since the territory was covered with ten million acres of wetlands - lands where water stands for at least part of the year. Wetland ecosystems are extremely valuable to wildlife, supporting a greater number of animals than any other type of habitat. Wetlands also absorb flood waters; filter chemicals, sediments, and other impurities out of drinking water; recharge groundwater; and provide a variety of recreational opportunities. Fifty percent of Wisconsin's original wetlands have disappeared. Not only must we maintain our existing wetlands, we must continue efforts to restore those that have been lost.

Click on the plants and animals below to learn more about creatures who live in wetlands. Want to see more? Go to Wetlands Poster Part I

Osprey | Common Yellowthroat | Mink | Wood Duck
Western Chorus Frog | Salamander | Dragonfly | Cattail | Beaver | Blanding's Turtle | Wetlands Poster Part I