Wetland Woes
May is American Wetlands Month! The United States contains about 40 million acres of coastal wetlands. Coastal wetlands such as salt marshes that provide critical habitat – food, water and shelter – for many species of fish, birds and other animals. From 1998 and 2004, nearly 60,000 acres of these coastal wetlands disappeared per year. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the Chesapeake Bay has lost 50 percent of its coastal marshes.
Viewer Tip: Over 50 percent of the nation’s population lives along coasts. Development that occurs on or nearby coastal wetlands can lead to loss of habitat, changes in water flow, polluted runoff and other impacts. Even if you live inland, what you do on your property could affect coastal wetlands.
- Get in touch with your local environmental organizations, state agency or community group to see how you can participate in programs that protect wetlands.
- Keep lawns and driveways free of pet waste, fertilizers and motor oil. These items can wash into storm drains, and could eventually reach a wetland.
- Use native species when planting trees, shrubs, and flowers to preserve the ecological balance of local wetlands.
- Use non-toxic products for household cleaning and lawn and garden care. Never spray lawn and garden chemicals outside on a windy day or on a day when it might rain and wash the chemicals into waterways.
Season: Spring
(Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Celebrate Coastal Wetlands…Connecting Us All!” http://www.epa.gov/wetlands/awm/pdf/coastal_final.pdf; “American Wetlands Month,” http://www.epa.gov/wetlands/awm)
