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Wetlands have often been thought of as areas of wasted space unsuitable for farmland or other human development. As a result, many wetlands have been drained and filled in the past to accommodate the increasing demands of our growing world. To date, in some areas of Canada, up to 70 per cent of our wetlands have been destroyed.

Thinking of wetlands as areas of little or no value couldn't be further from the truth. On the contrary, they are extremely environmentally important for humans and wildlife. Wetlands are simply areas of transition between open water and dry land. As their name would suggest they hold a considerable amount of water and can be wet either year-round or for part of the year. Their water supply comes from rain fall, runoff from snowmelt, groundwater, streams, rivers, lakes and oceans. Wetlands are found throughout the world on all continents, except Antarctica, and Canada is fortunate enough to be home to close to 25 per cent of the world's wetlands.

Wetlands can be broken down into two categories: Organic and Mineral. Organic wetlands are rich with organic soils and plant material. They do not have much open water but retain large quantities of water in their soil. Organic wetlands include bogs and fens. Bogs have acidic water and have high production of peat and moss. Fens have lots of soil nutrients and are covered with rushes and grasses as well as some peat.

Mineral wetlands are the characteristic wetlands with open water that attract many different types of migratory waterfowl and other wildlife. They have nutrient-rich soils and water which allow them to produce a variety of plants. Mineral wetlands include both salt and freshwater marshes and swamps. Marshes typically have variety of wetland plants such as rushes and cattails. Swamps have water-loving trees and other woody plants.

Wetlands are known as nature's natural water filters because they have the ability to remove harmful impurities from our fresh drinking water supplies. The plants and soils found in our wetlands are able to filter and remove nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen from our water as it passes through them. Wetlands can also trap and absorb harmful bacteria from our water. The wetland will slowly release and replenish the groundwater supplies with clean drinkable water. Since wetlands are so efficient in pollution control, various industries are now using wetlands to filter wastewater while providing valuable wildlife habitat.

The benefits from wetlands don't stop there. Since wetlands act like sponges, they are able to reduce flooding by absorbing the extra water produced during heavy rainfall or spring thaws. The wetland will then slowly release the water back into the surrounding areas. Wetlands also help to fight problems caused by erosion. The many plants found within the wetland will keep soils stable from the forces that cause erosion.

Wetlands are extremely important to wildlife. In Canada, wetlands and their surrounding areas are home to approximately 600 species of mammals, insects, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish. All these species will use the wetlands as a source for food, water, shelter and breeding and nesting grounds.

Since wetlands have so many valuable natural qualities and are home to many species, a wetland provides an excellent place for learning more about nature and the environment. From my years of attending university in Sackville, I had the chance to enjoy their waterfowl park. I found it peaceful and often my regular visits were a highlight added to my day. Soon Miramichi will have a similar wetland to be enjoyed for its beauty and wildlife value.

Elizabeth Walsh is a Miramichier and expert on all things natural. She shares her love of Canada's plants, animals and birds in this column.