News Release

June 1, 2020 – Wetlands are found at the intersection of soil and water ecosystems. Because of the complex interactions of land and water, they have unique properties. The Soil Science Society of America’s (SSSA) June 1^st Soils Matter blog explores the importance of wetland ecosystems.

According to blogger Jacob Berkowitz, “Despite only occupying 5% of the earth’s surface, wetlands are one of the most productive ecosystems on the planet.” Wetlands offer many benefits, including:

1. Providing habitat for plants and animals,
2. Improving water quality,
3. Regulating our climate,
4. Decreasing the impact of floods and hurricanes, and
5. Providing recreation.

“Unfortunately, human activities have negatively impacted many wetlands,” explains Berkowitz. “In response to these challenges, much is being done to restore wetlands and reestablish the benefits wetlands provide to society.”

Most wetland restoration projects seek to restore distinct plant and animal populations. Restoration projects often also reconnect wetlands with sources of water and sediment, allowing them to expand and grow.

“Contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District, university extension office, Natural Resources Conservation Service office, or non-profit organization to investigate opportunities to help restore wetlands in your community,” says Berkowitz. “And don’t forget to save some time to play in the mud!”

To learn more about wetland restoration, read the entire blog post: https://soilsmatter.wordpress.com/2020/06/01/whats-being-done-to-restore-wetlands

Follow SSSA on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SSSA.soils, Twitter at SSSA_Soils. SSSA has soils information on www.soils.org/discover-soils, for teachers at www.soils4teachers.org, and for students through 12^th grade, www.soils4kids.org.