Wetlands occur on sites where the water table is at, near, or above the soil surface for a sufficient period of time to influence soil and vegetation development. Wetland ecosystems characteristically have plants that are adapted to growing on saturated soils with low oxygen levels. Wetlands are divided into distinct classes according to their environmental and vegetation characteristics. These classes included swamps, marshes, and shallow water ecosystems. Wetlands are focal points for wildlife because of their infrequent occurrence in this landscape. Wetlands provide wildlife and biodiversity values that are disproportionate to the area they occupy on the land base. Wetland vegetation provides food, shelter, breeding habitat, and cover for many species of amphibians, reptiles, mammals, birds, and insects. Wetland vegetation provides food for many aquatic organisms. Ponds and shallow open water bodies are important watering sites for many species and provide painted turtle habitat, especially if floating logs are present. Wetlands are also sources of insects that provide food to birds and bats. Properly functioning wetlands store and filter water, and maintain water quality. They reduce the levels of sediment, nutrients, and toxic chemicals in outflow water. According to the Sensitive Ecosystem Inventory the importance of this ecosystem includes its extreme rarity, high biodiversity, fragility, maintenance of water quality as well as social values.

You may not personally be digging up acres of wetlands for development, but there are things you as an individual can do to help wetlands! Getting involved with volunteering opportunities across the Okanagan is a great way to see the impact a few hours of work can really make!