World Wetland Day brings attention to conservation

Photo courtesy of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Feb. 2 is World Wetland Day, this day celebrates wetlands across the globe and works to bring public notice to the conservation of wetlands.  

Wetlands are diverse ecosystems that include plant systems, mammals, birds, amphibians and fish. These systems have soils that are always covered by water. 

The Environmental Protection Agency defines wetlands as areas where water covers the soil or is at the surface of the soil all year.  

Wetland ecosystems provide habitat to all of Nebraska amphibians, and 70% of Nebraska’s endangered and threatened species.  

Most of Nebraska’s wetlands are found in the northwest part of the state, the main types of wetlands in Nebraska are playa’s, sandhills, saline/alkaline and riverine.

Each wetland is home to hundreds of species some that are permanent residents and some that are migrating through. 

Bird species are often the most visibly prevalent species in wetlands. Songbirds are often found nesting near rivers and ponds. 

Water bird species like ducks, herons, cranes and plovers rely on wetlands for nesting, breeding and feeding.

Endangered whooping cranes migrate through Nebraska stopping near or in wetlands and rivers. 

Beavers, minks and muskrats all use wetlands as homes. Muskrats and beavers use plant growth to build dens and raise offspring. 

Nebraska’s endangered salt creek tiger beetle can only be found near some wetlands.  Researchers have been introducing zoo raised beetles into Nebraska’s wetlands in hopes of raising the populations. 

Amphibian species like frogs and turtles are 100% dependent on wetland ecosystems for all their needs. Amphibians are present in all wetland ecosystems.

Nebraska Game and Park Commission has more information on Nebraska wetlands on their websites. They also offer a wetlands teaching program for elementary students.