Celebrate, Learn and Explore Wetlands!
by Kim Tapley
World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on February 2nd to raise global awareness of the vital role wetlands play for the benefit of the people and our planet. This date was selected to honor the anniversary of the Convention on Wetlands, adopted as an international treaty in 1971. The EPC Commission issues an annual proclamation affirming Hillsborough County's support of World Wetlands Day and the importance of protecting our precious wetland resources.
Wetlands provide rich and diverse habitats for wildlife and are places where many birds and animals raise their young. They are ideal areas for migratory birds to stop to feed and rest. The Environmental Protection Agency designated May as American Wetlands Month in 1991 to recognize the rich diversity of life enjoyed in wetlands throughout the nation during this time of year. EPC also educates local citizens and visitors on the ecological, economic, and social value that wetlands bring to Hillsborough County with events we host throughout May.
Why wetlands are important
Wetlands are the link between the land and the water. The
flow of the water combined with the cycling of nutrients and the sun's energy produces unique ecosystems characterized by their hydrology, vegetation, and soils. Wetlands provide numerous benefits, including improved water
quality and supply, water storage and recharge, and reduced erosion and flood risks. They also yield critical habitat for plants, fish, and wildlife, which in turn benefits the general public with opportunities for recreation, education, and aesthetics.
Wetlands are renowned for their ability to absorb pollutants, excess nutrients, and sediments from the water that flows through them, improving water quality downstream and the overall health of the environment. Because they are so effective at filtering out pollutants they are often referred to as the “kidneys” of the environment.
Serving as a form of green infrastructure, wetlands capture and store rainwater, and replenish groundwater aquifers. This helps to regulate water quantity and supply by releasing the right amount of water at the right time and place. They protect against flooding by absorbing excess rain or river water. This helps to prevent property damage that may result from natural disasters and the associated costs of catastrophic recovery. As a matter of fact, the work EPC performs to safeguard our wetlands provides an important economic benefit for Hillsborough County residents by helping to lower flood insurance rates!
Changing views on the importance of Wetlands
Historically, wetlands have been misunderstood and were once viewed as places to dump trash and waste; or they were drained, filled, and converted for other purposes. Fish, bird, and wildlife populations suffer when wetlands are destroyed. Additionally, the water is not as clean and the severity of flooding increases. Many of the world’s communities now recognize the value of wetlands and they are no longer considered wastelands. Globally wetlands have increasingly been integrated into development and land management plans. Subsequently, wetlands loss rates have declined, in some cases dramatically, over the last several decades.
Today’s current development is a major concern for wetland conservation because as cities grow, there is an increasing demand for land and a tendency to encroach upon wetland habitats. Many communities are exploring better ways to protect their existing wetland resources and to restore some of the hundreds of thousands of acres of wetlands that have already been impacted. It is important to note that since the inception of the EPC Wetlands Rule in 1985, our Agency has protected Hillsborough County's incredibly valuable ecosystems. Our rule helps to bring much-needed local oversight to the conservation of groundwater, surface water, and Tampa Bay, thereby maintaining and preserving the natural flood areas, coastal shorelines, and diverse wetland habitats found in our area for future generations to enjoy.
Support wetland protection and awareness
Annual wetland events such as World Wetlands Day and American Wetlands Month, have been organized to bring together a broad range of people including scientists, educators, politicians, and citizens. These diverse groups unite globally, federally, and locally to help educate and engage with participants who wish to better understand the value of one of the Earth’s most valuable ecosystems.
Learn how you can champion the environment by discovering more about wetlands and participating in events that celebrate wetlands. Join us this May as we explore a variety of wetland habitats. Each week, EPC guides will introduce different wetland habitats found in each of our four featured county parks through our “Wetlands Walks” virtual tour campaign. Discover their location, importance to our community, and how to help preserve these critical natural resources.
Everyone is invited to participate! We hope that these signature wetlands events will inspire you and others to take action to help support wetland conservation and sustainable development and to visit our local parks in person.
Related News
EPC Encourages You to Celebrate! Learn! Explore!
During the entire month of May, enjoy the natural beauty of the wetlands located at four of our local Hillsborough County Parks. Be sure to check out our weekly newsletters and virtual video tour series, hosted by experienced EPC guides. Better yet, visit a featured park in person, participate in a fun and educational Wetlands Scavenger Hunt, and receive a Certificate of Participation!
Look for details in May at www.epchc.org.
