When people think about wetlands, they normally imagine a swamp or lake that is not connected to human needs or responsibility. The truth is that wetlands are not only beneficial to us, but they are absolutely necessary.
Here are a few things that wetland do for us:

- Provide flood control by storing water and slowing it down

- Allow for infiltration and cleansing of water to recharge our aquifers (where we get our drinking water from)

- Treat pollution by absorbing and breaking up toxins from storm water runoff

- Erosion control by serving as a sedimentation area that traps silt and organic matter

- Provides wildlife habitat (nesting, foraging, breeding, etc.) for many organisms, including endangered and threatened species

- Absorbs carbon, which helps reduce the “greenhouse effect”

- Provides a source of recreation

Few wetlands are truly isolated. Rainfall water eventually makes it
way into our oceans.
By the time it meets the ocean it may pick up pollutants in the form of: salt from snow removal, oil from cars, perfumes from shampoos and soaps, chemicals from industrial waste, agricultural manure and pesticides, silt from poor agricultural practices, municipal waste, surfactants from showers and carwashes, and countless other sources of pollutants.

Who really thinks about their contribution to the water cycle? Every time you take in caffeine, medication, or other chemical compounds that are removed from your body as waste, it will eventually end up in the local water cycle.

Thanks to wetlands, we have clean water and less flooding. Wetlands also support a large diversity of wildlife and make wonderful natural classrooms!

What is the status of wetlands in Illinois?
In Illinois, we have lost over 85% of our wetlands. Much of this was due to agricultural practices during settlement; however, much is due currently to changes in land use by municipalities. It is everyone’s responsibility to prevent wetland destruction and help maintain a healthy wetland ecosystem. Some developers have incorporated best management practices to find a balance between development and wetland functions. Some farmers use various practices that reduce erosion and pollution to local natural resources.

What could I do to help?
Reduce the amount of water you use.
Read labels on medications, foods and cosmetics to determine what is getting into the local water cycle.
Educate yourself and others.
Encourage wildlife conservation.
Volunteer your time with organizations that support conservation.
Learn more from the following links:
EPA, IDNR, USFWS, Wetlands International

For more information please contact the Bourbonnais Township Park District at (815) 933-9905.