Wetlands are low-lying areas partially or fully covered in water and serve important purposes. There are three main types: swamps, with trees and acidic water up to 10 feet deep providing flood protection and habitat; marshes, always filled with shallow water and plants like cattails and reeds being highly productive; and bogs receiving water from precipitation in acidic conditions without many nutrients for plants except moss.

1. Wetlands Created by Jay Shirodkar,4 th hour, an older student talking to a younger student about the three types of wetlands.

2. What Are Wetlands? Wetlands are low-lying areas of land that are usually partially or fully covered in water all season long. Wetlands help improve water quality, reduce flooding damage, provide important fish and wildlife habitat, and give us many recreational activities.

3. Swamps Most of the plants are trees. Water depth can be up to ten feet. Sometimes the water can be very acidic and have nothing living in it. Swamps offer great flood protection. Many rare species of animals live in swamps.

4. Marshes Marshes are always filled with water. Water can be very shallow, to just a few feet deep. Plants include cattails, grass ,and reeds. Marshes can be one of the most productive ecosystems on Earth.

5. Bogs are usually very mossy. Most bogs are very acidic. They receive most of their water from precipitation. Bogs do not have the nutrients needed for plant growth. Bogs usually don`t appear in cold climates. Bogs