What are Wetlands?

Dragonfly on Cattail. Photo: © Jenifer Whipple 2003

Wetlands exist all over the United States. They are literally "wet lands," at least for part of each year. Some marshes, bogs, swamps, pond and lake margins are wet all year. Other wetlands-such as prairie potholes and desert seeps-are wet only part of the year. Wetlands can be fresh water, salt water, or a mix (called brackish). Most of the wetlands in the Rocky Mountain region are fresh water, and many of them dry up each year.

Whether permanent or seasonal, wetlands provide valuable habitat for insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and some fish and mammals. Because of their abundant animal life, wetlands also attract scientists, hunters, birders, artists, and other people who appreciate natural places.

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