Wolf Road Prairie wetland in summer
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What Is a Wetland?

“Although wetlands are often wet, a wetland might not be wet year-round. In fact, some of the most important wetlands are only seasonally wet. Wetlands are the link between the land and the water. They are transition zones where the flow of water, the cycling of nutrients, and the energy of the sun meet to produce a unique ecosystem characterized by hydrology, soils, and vegetation—making these areas very important features of a watershed. Using a watershed-based approach to wetland protection ensures that the whole system, including land, air, and water resources, is protected.”

From the EPA Wetlands Overview
Click here for a pdf copy
or go to their Wetlands Home Page at:
www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands