One of the most interesting things I have learned about wetlands is that there are different types. A marsh always has water flowing in, which gives the plant life moist soil to grow in. A bog depends on rain or snow for the water it holds, and receives no water from streams or other sources, and also doesn't put out water into any other source as well. A swamp is a wet area that is able to grow many trees and shrubs. A slough can be a swamp, or lake system that has slow-flowing water that goes through it. Narbeck is classified as a marsh because of the water that is constantly flowing through it. This flow of water is what allows for the red alders we saw to grow in such extensive numbers, along with a variety of shrubs and other plants.
Wetlands are incredibly important to the ecosystem because of the variety of functions they have. Wetlands are habitats for insects, fish, birds, and other wildlife to reproduce and exist comfortably. They also play host to some migratory species of birds. Wetlands are also capable of purifying water by way of holding excess nutrients and pollutants. Because of their ability to hold water, wetlands are also able to help with flooding by holding the excess water that comes down during a storm. These are just a few of the functions of wetlands that make them so important to the ecosystem. That is why when a company destroys a wetland, it is expected to replace it, as is the case with Narbeck.One of the things I thought was cool about Narbeck is how such an amazing and healthy ecosystem can exist in the middle of Boeing, Fluke Manufacturing, ITT, Snohomish County PUD, and other local businesses. I think that Narbeck is a really good example of how there can be some level of balance between human and nature productivity. We are perfectly capable of finding ways to preserve important natural areas while still managing to go about our daily lives. It definitely takes a lot of work to get these places in good shape for producing wildlife and growing such a wide variety of plants, but the end result is clearly worth it.
The variety of wetlands was interesting to me. I found it particularly cool that many swamps and bogs have been around long enough for species for adapt to them.
ReplyDeleteThe plant with red druping berries in your picture is actually an invasive weed called Bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) its in the same family as tomatoes and potatoes but even being a weed it can still be food for the animals around it.
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