Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary

Mergus merganser (common merganser), one of the animal species found in the park.

Alnus rubra (Red Alder) along a pathway.

The most interesting thing that I learned about wetlands is that their net primary production per acre is on the same level as the tropical rainforest. Primary production is the rate at which ecosystems capture and store carbon. This makes wetlands incredibly important for offsetting carbon pollution from human activity. Its interesting to think that we have these pockets of wild nature in our back yards, full of biodiversity, all working to save us from ourselves.

They are incredibly important to us in many other ways. Wetlands can act as buffers and reduce storm damage for coastal areas. They can protect against floods by slowing down the movement of floodwaters and holding excess water. Wetlands help filter out pollutants that run into our rivers, lakes, and oceans. They also recharge and replenish our groundwater, which in turn maintains streamflow as well as lake and reservoir levels that provide water for irrigation and drinking.

I found it cool that the marsh was a mitigated wetland. It is encouraging to know that people have realized the importance of wetlands and are taking action to keep them. It is also cool to think that this area is constantly changing. As secession continues we will see in different plants that will continue to change the environment. While walking around I noticed areas with tall trees that were too old to have been planted after the mitigation took place, giving a glimpse of what the area would have looked like before it was a wetland.

A species of the genus Typha (Cattail) surrounding a pond.