The Matchedash Wetlands can be accessed from
Swift Rapids Road (high clearance 4 wheel drive vehicle
recommended) and are geographically located within the southern
portion of the Canadian Shield, which is the largest shield in the
world. The area owes its present-day appearance to both a very long
period of erosion, which has worn down contours that were once
spectacular and also much more recent events which occurred during
the last glacial period which ended 10,000 years ago. Like
monstrous machines, the ice sheets literally scraped and denuded
the area, pushing loose soil ever farther in front of them.
The glaciers also greatly disrupted the watercourses, filling creek
beds and carving canals. Many poorly drained depressions as well as
natural faults in the bedrock were left behind and these formed
millions of lakes, ponds and wetlands which give this ecozone it's
distinctive character. These upheavals explain the young and
somewhat erratic character of the current hydrographic network,
with its multitude of lakes and swamps and its series of falls and
rapids. The multitude of rivers and lakes in the entire region is
caused by the watersheds of the area being so young and in a state
of sorting themselves out with the added effect of post-glacial
rebound. The area originally consisted of very large mountains
(about 12,000 meters in height) with much volcanic activity,
but over the millennia the area was eroded to its current
topographic appearance of relatively low relief and contains some
of the most ancient volcanoes on Earth. The wetlands here are
freshwater and while driving along the Swift Rapids Road one can
see at least 4 of the 5 examples of the types of wetlands indicated
below including a spectacular and very eerie example of a swamp
that goes right up to and is almost level with the road during the
Spring season.
A wetland is an area of land whose soil is saturated with
moisture either permanently or seasonally. Such areas may also be
covered partially or completely by shallow pools of water. There
are many different types of wetlands. The water found in wetlands
can be saltwater, freshwater, or brackish. Wetlands are considered
the most biologically diverse of all ecosystems.
Wetlands are not land or water, but a fluid combination of both,
wetlands are among the most productive habitats on Earth. Wetlands
are all built on a simple foundation: water becomes trapped, either
through poor drainage, periodic flooding or by coastal barriers
such as sandbars, and a wetland -- that unique mix of land and
water -- is born.
From this beginning, wetlands develop in a number of ways
depending on local climate conditions, the availability of
nutrients, and the geography and soils of a site. They also change
over time: an open marsh may dry out enough to become a wooded
swamp, only to revert back to open marsh again after heavy
flooding.
Wetlands represent one of the most important life support
systems in the natural environment. Wetlands provide:
- A water filtration system...removing contaminants, suspended
particles and excessive nutrients, improving water quality and
renewing water supplies.
- An irreplaceable habitat...nesting, feeding and staging ground
for several species of waterfowl and other wildlife such as
reptiles and amphibians, and also for many species at risk.
- A high quality spawning and nursery area for many species of
fish.
- Natural shoreline protection...protecting coastal areas from
erosion.
- A reservoir...helping to control and reduce flooding through
water storage and retention.
- A source of oxygen and water vapour...playing a vital role in
the natural atmospheric and climatic cycles.
- Recreational activities...hiking, birdwatching and
fishing.
The functions and values of wetlands are becoming increasingly
clear to scientists and those who manage wetlands. However, the
difficulty faced by these individuals is how to communicate these
functions and values in a way that will be understood by land
owners, government regulators and the public. In other sectors of
the economy, the most common way of demonstrating the value of
something is to quote a price. But what is the price of a wetland?
The five major freshwater wetlands types in Ontario
are:
Marshes:
These wetlands are periodically or permanently covered by standing
or slowly moving water. Marshes are rich in nutrients and are
characterized by an emergent vegetation of reeds, rushes, cattails
and sedges. Water remains within the rooting zone of these plants
for most of the growing season. Marshes are the most productive
wetlands habitat.
Swamps:
Swamps are dominated by shrubs or trees. They may be flooded
seasonally or for long periods of time. Swamps are both nutrient
rich and productive. Vegetation may be composed of coniferous or
deciduous forest or tall thickets. Swamps are most common in
temperate areas of Canada.
Bogs:
Bogs are peat-covered wetlands in which the vegetation shows the
effects of a high water table and a general lack of nutrients. Due
to poor drainage and the decay of plant material, the surface water
of bogs is strongly acidic. Although they are dominated by sphagnum
mosses (peat) and heath shrubs, bogs may support trees. More common
in northern Ontario and rare in the south, bogs are the least
productive of all wetland types.
Fens:
These wetlands are characterized by a high water table with slow
internal drainage by seepage down low gradients. Their surface
waters may be acidic or alkaline. Fens are not as low in nutrients
as bogs and as a result are more productive. Although fens are
dominated by sedges they may also contain shrubs and trees. Like
bogs, they are more common in the north.
Shallow Open Water:
These wetlands include potholes and sloughs (ponds), as well as
waters along rivers and lakeshore areas. They are usually
relatively small bodies of standing or flowing water commonly
representing a transitional stage between lakes and marshes, or
between spring high water levels and levels during the remainder of
the year.
Questions to Answer:
1) Go to N44 48.913 W79 32.313 where you will have an elevated
view of the wetlands. Look across the wetlands to the north. About
how far is it to the other side? Either estimate or walk in a
counter clockwise direction in order to get to the other side.
2) What may have contributed to these lands turning into
wetlands? Hint: Try going to N44 48.967 W79 32.238 and N44 49.014
W79 32.326 to find a possible answer.
3) Go to the edge of the wetlands where you will find some open
water around part of the perimeter and measure how deep the water
is.
4) Would this water be safe to drink? Why or why not? If you had
something to be concerned about, what things might you be concerned
about if you decided to (or needed to) drink the water?
5) What type of wetlands is this here? Select one of the 5 types
described above.
6) Finally, take note of any wildlife that you spot either in
the wetlands themselves or on your way to these wetlands.
7) Pictures are always appreciated. If possible try to post some
pictures of the wetlands.
Go ahead and log your find after you email me the answers to the
above questions. You do not need to wait for me to reply.