Generally, wetlands are lands where saturation with water is the dominant factor determining the nature of soil development and the types of plant and animal communities living in the soil and on its surface (Cowardin, December 1979). Wetlands vary widely because of regional and local differences in soils, topography, climate, hydrology, water chemistry, vegetation, and other factors, including human disturbance. Indeed, wetlands are found from the tundra to the tropics and on every continent except Antarctica. http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/what/definitions.html
Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the world, comparable to rain forests and coral reefs. An immense variety of species of microbes, plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish, and mammals can be part of a wetland ecosystem. Physical and chemical features such as climate, landscape shape (topology), geology, and the movement and abundance of water help to determine the plants and animals that inhabit each wetland. The complex, dynamic relationships among the organisms inhabiting the wetland environment are referred to as food webs. This is why wetlands in Texas, North Carolina, and Alaska differ from one another.
The functions of a wetland and the values of these functions to human society depend on a complex set of relationships between the wetland and the other ecosystems in the watershed. A watershed is a geographic area in which water, sediments, and dissolved materials drain from higher elevations to a common low-lying outlet or basin a point on a larger stream, lake, underlying aquifer, or estuary. Wetlands can be thought of as "biological supermarkets." They provide great volumes of food that attract many animal species. These animals use wetlands for part of or all of their life-cycle. Dead plant leaves and stems break down in the water to form small particles of organic material called "detritus." This enriched material feeds many small aquatic insects, shellfish, and small fish that are food for larger predatory fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals. Wetlands play an integral role in the ecology of the watershed.
The combination of shallow water, high levels of nutrients, and primary productivity is ideal for the development of organisms that form the base of the food web and feed many species of fish, amphibians, shellfish, and insects. Many species of birds and mammals rely on wetlands for food, water, and shelter, especially during migration and breeding. Wetlands' microbes, plants, and wildlife are part of global cycles for water, nitrogen, and sulfur. Furthermore, scientists are beginning to realize that atmospheric maintenance may be an additional wetlands function. Wetlands store carbon within their plant communities and soil instead of releasing it to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Thus wetlands help to moderate global climate conditions. http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/vital/nature.html For more information on wetland preservation go to: http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands
Now the journey begins! As you enter on the boardwalk, I suggest looking at the sign at the handicap accessible boardwalk entrance at the parking lot. It will give you some aid in most of the questions.
There are four types of wetlands: marshes, fens, bogs, and swamps.
1. FILL IN THE BLANKS: ____________ (What type of wetland is this?) are ___________ fed by mineral rich springs and groundwater. _______ does not usually cover the surface but runs quickly to ________ _______.
The water here has a pH that is slightly above __. 2. FILL IN THE BLANK AND WHAT DOES THAT SAY ABOUT THE WATER? (i.e. what is it slightly?)
Wetlands purify water, prevent flooding, and provide green space for wildlife and recreation.
3. HOW MUCH OF OHIO'S WETLANDS ARE LOST AND WHO IS HELPING CURB THAT NUMBER, SINCE 1988?
This wetland is a great place for the bird watchers and flower admirers of the world.
4. NAME THE PLANT LIFE THAT YOU SHOULD LOOK FOR AT THE TIME OF YEAR YOU ARE VISITING.
As you walk on this boardwalk, you may see a lot of wildlife. When I went I only heard something in the grasses and deer tracks in the snow neat the edge of the reserve. You will also see many benches to relax and enjoy the view. Soon, you will be faced with your only hard decision of the walk left or straight then left. Either way, you can do the whole mile loop as both paths bring you right back to this spot. Near the observation tower, you may find a marker about the plant life here. The only requirements (#1-4) can now all be found at the sign at the beginning of the boardwalk. The sign by the overlook has deteriorated nearly beyond repair. If the parks department ever replaces it, I will add #5 back into the list of requirements. I do hope that you take the mile walk around the wetland and enjoy the beauty of this unique habitat. I sincerely hope that you will enjoy your quiet walk in nature. I did not find any of the question answers online, but they may be out there. Important notice: IF ANY REQUIREMENT IS UNFULFILLED IN A TIMELY FASHION, I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO DELETE YOUR LOG. Also, please send the answers via message (preferred) or e-mail. DO NOT post answers in your log!
"I stand alone in the sounds of nature." - quote on Marty's bench in the wetlands.
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