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Wetland

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Wetland | Saint Croix Boomsite, Stillwater, MN

The key ingredient in any wetland is shallow water. The water table in a wetland is very close to the surface, and often breaches it. There may even be swamps or ponds-- some of which are permanent, while others, often formed by melting snows or heavy spring rains, dry up during the summer. Wetlands often border lakes, rivers, and other large bodies of water, where they play an important role in supporting native plant and animal life.

Since the wetlands are almost always too shallow to support Bass, Trout, Walleye or other aquatic predators, they are often a haven for all sorts of insects and amphibians. The Predatory Diving Beetle, is just one of the fascinating species found in swamps. With subspecies that can measure over an inch long and take on tadpoles and minnows, these beetles are often called "Toe-biters" for their habit of fending off larger animals -- even humans, with their massive mouthparts!

Frog choruses often dominate wetlands in the spring and early summer, as spring peepers, Western Chorus Frogs, and many others emerge to breed. For many frogs, the shallow waters are relatively safe havens for tadpoles, provide ample vegetation for cover, and moist, damp earth to burrow into and hibernate as the winter sets in.

Wetlands are also a haven for many unique plants. Many of these species require special soil and water conditions only found in wetlands. One of these species, the Pitcher Plant, is a carnivorous plant that only exists in the mesic soil of a special kind of wetland known as a bog.

Wetlands extraordinarily important to humans. Not only do they provide a buffer, preventing pollution from finding its way into rivers, lakes, and the water table; they also provide a channel for the runoff from storm waters and melting snows. Wetlands are now illegal to drain or destroy in many areas. Some communities are even trying to build more of them!

Want to Learn More?

In an effort to make our site as comprehensive as possible, we have supplemented our online park and wildlife survey with other educational resources. Every book we recommend has been hand-picked by a Beyond Main Street volunteer. 7.5% of all proceeds from the links below go to help Beyond Main Street build a larger, more comprehensive site!

Wildflowers of Minnesota

Walking the Wetlands: A Hiker's Guide

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