Why wetlands are an important part of the ecosystem

Maybe you haven’t paid much attention to them before, but wetlands are more than a place to connect with nature and to explore. Wetlands play a huge role in our eco-system whether they are man-made or naturally occurring. With urban expansion on the rise, finding these marshes or bogs in your community may seem rare and this is exactly why they are more important than ever. Here are the three top reasons why wetlands are important for our environment and our communities!

Home for biodiversity

From microscopic plankton to small mammals, wetlands are home to a variety of life. Depending on where the wetland is located geographically, you can expect to find wild grasses, birds, insects, and amphibians, each with its own special mix of critters and vegetation. These species have adapted to this little eco-system where they eat, live, grow and raise their young. Almost every single organism contributes to the food chain or supports the growth of these little havens.

Keep our water sources clean

A wetland not only supports life but also cleans. Some sources like to call wetlands the “kidneys of the landscape” because it detoxes the water that flows through it before it circulates back out. Many wetlands are situated near a bigger body of water, such as a lake, and the wetland strains out sediments from any run-off. Not only does it get rid of any contaminants that we can see, like small rocks, but they can also store away excess nitrogen and carbon to keep the water as fresh as it can be! But don’t worry, organisms like plankton thrive off these gases - it’s all part of the wonderful cycle found in a wetland.

Protect from flooding and drought

The weather can be quite unpredictable in a place like Alberta. Will we flood out in April? That’s alright, the wetland can act like a sponge and soak up any excess water before sending it downstream. Will it be an extra dry July? No worries, wetlands slowly release stored water when it needs to. While weather extremes can put a damper on many things, wetlands are equipped with the systems to thrive in both wet and dry environments.

It’s clear that wetlands play an important role in our environment, but they also make for a great place to unplug, take walks and birdwatch. In Dawson’s Landing, you can be steps from one of these natural playgrounds. This community will feature 28 acres of protected wetland at build out that will be a key place for families and neighbours to connect. With tons of low impact trails and viewing areas, there are endless reasons to spend time outdoors. Did we mention the educational signage that will be planted along all the trails? Learn about wetland rehabilitation and environmental sustainability while taking a weekend stroll.

Think you’re ready to make Chestermere your new home? Explore this thoughtfully designed community in Chestermere, perfect for every type of family and budget. Check out our 5 builders here!