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Wetland
Page history
last edited
by June Shanahan 12 years, 9 months ago
What is a wetland? (photos)
Wetlands have so many functions and are so diverse that defining them is quite a problem. Many definitions exist but 3 common elements are almost always present: a hydric soil, hydrophilic plants, and the ground is saturated with water for some period in the year.
We know now that wetlands serve as important areas for biodiversity, water reclamation, and soil conservation. According to the EPA wetlands are second only to the ocean in the number of biota inhabiting them. They are natural recyclers of water; as water flows through them minerals, sediments, and contaminants are absorbed and transformed by the plants, animals, and bacteria that occupy the many niches available. They act as giant sponges, absorbing flood waters and slowly releasing them back into the system. Riparian and estuarine wetlands prevent shoreline erosion and prevent headwaters from overfilling. Wetlands are commonly referred to as the “kidneys” of the environment. Wetlands surely are a crucial resource worthy of our attention.
Historically settlers of America saw wetlands as a nuisance. Thoughts of swamps, bogs, and moors brought to mind eerie images of monsters, beasts, and insects. The consensus was to avoid or drain these foul breeding grounds, then use them for productive means. “Drying the land” was not only a precaution, but a necessity for people who needed to use the land for agriculture. Straightening streams & draining wetlands opened fields for farming. Preventing “wet land” was a ongoing battle that growing cities and families saw as a jeopardy.
Generations later people may still have aversions, but we have a better understanding and sense of importance for wetlands.
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YouTube video
Who is Tom Biebighauser?
Tom Biebighauser has restored over 1,200 wetlands in 14-States and 2-Canadian Provinces, and Tom has kindly taken an interest in constructing a wetland at our school, Scobee Elementary. He teaches practical, hands-on wetland restoration workshops across North America where participants learn about wetland restoration and drainage by becoming involved in the design and construction of naturally appearing and functioning wetlands in only one day. Tom has developed highly successful and inexpensive techniques for restoring and repairing wetlands on mined lands, steep slopes, mountain ridges, large valleys, timber sale areas, urban areas, and at schools. He’s written 3-books about restoring wetlands: A Guide to Creating Vernal Ponds in 2003, Wetland Drainage, Restoration, and Repair in 2007, and Wetland Restoration and Construction Technical Guide (in press). For more information about the wetlands he’s established please visit:
Kentucky Press Article
Tom Biebighauser
(click to read an inspiring article about Tom from back in 2007)
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(sample of sign from the company we will order from)
Wildlife Biologist
USDA Forest Service
Center for Wetlands and Stream Restoration
2375 KY Highway 801 South
Morehead, KY 40351
tombiebighauser@fs.fed.us
(606) 784-6428 ext. 102 (office)
Baylor University Environmental Educator, and Tom's former student:
Ms. Melissa Mullins
Environmental Educator, Marsh Madness Program
Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research
Baylor University
(254) 710-2382
melissa_mullins@baylor.edu
Lowe's Grant Information (Note #18 - $50,000-$100,000, Application Deadline: Jan. 31)
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Wetland
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Comments (1)
June Shanahan said
at 6:21 am on Oct 20, 2010
Tom, feel free to suggest anything else you think I should add to the page. OR BETTER YET...would you like to have editing privileges?
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