THE WORTH OF WETLANDS

Wetlands are just as their name describes - wet lands. Wetlands come in many forms such as swamps, bogs, or marshlands - the latter of which is found here at the Nature Study Area. 

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Prior to the 1970s, wetlands were seen as wastelands. It was common for wetlands to be destroyed in order to develop land for agriculture, industry, and housing. Many modern cities are built upon drained wetlands. In fact, Reno and the greater Truckee Meadows were once defined by their wetlands. It is estimated that Nevada has lost over 52% of its wetlands since European settlement. 

Today, wetlands are still threatened by human causes such as water diversions, industrial and agricultural waste, land development, prolonged drought, and other effects of climate change. Overall, the United States continues to lose approximately 50,000 acres of wetlands each year.

Wetlands are an incredibly important ecosystem. They provide a vast number of services to both humans and the environment. Click the image to learn some of the crucial benefits that wetlands, such as the one here at the Nature Study Area, provide.