Wetlands Ecology (1.5 hours)

The classroom component will consist of a discussion of what wetlands are, based on soil types and characteristics.  Students will be given the six basic concepts of what wetlands are: 1) not always wet; 2) with or without plants; 3) associated with, or distant from, bodies of water ;       4) water present in the soil for extended periods on a recurring basis (which include flatland, depression and slope wetlands); 5) may be manmade and; 6) are both fresh and saltwater environments. Students will learn five major functions of wetlands (water storage, reduce flooding, nutrient retention and cycling, sediment retention, provision of substrate for plants) and their values.

Though defined by their soil (a result of  prolonged submergence), wetlands can often be identifed by the type of plant or plant communities present. Students will be introduced to the concept of indicator plants. An explanation of how wetlands affect plant communities (anaerobic soil conditions place restrictions on oxygen uptake by certain plants) will conclude the classroom lecture. 

 Students will then be led out on the trails to hike down and through the wetland study area.  Along the trails, indicator plants will be identified and examined; wetland boundaries will be delineated; soil samples will be taken, examined and compared. Soil organisms will be observed and discussed, as well as the other animal communities including species typically found in wetland type environments.  What ephemeral (vernal) ponds are, and what their importance is, will be highlighted and discussed.  Students will learn how wetlands are defined, described and delineated, on the basis of soil characteristics and plant communities, as well as gaining an appreciation of the importance of wetlands and the functions they serve.