It’s World Wetlands Day! Since European settlement, 97% of Windsor-Essex county’s wetlands have disappeared. Wetlands improve water quality, provide fish and wildlife habitat, reduce impacts of erosion on shorelines, provide cultural and spiritual significance, help to mitigate climate change, offer recreation and tourism opportunities and so much more!  In Ontario, wetlands provide habitat for at least 47 plant and animal species that are identified as “at risk.”

Wetlands are the kidneys of the planet and deserve our protection! What can you do to protect wetlands?

• Keep learning about them by visiting them and grow your appreciation.
• Participate in community restoration projects.
• Consider adopting a wetland each spring to monitor frogs and aquatic birds.
• Attend public presentations by environmental groups who advocate for their protection.
• Teach the young ones about the importance of wetlands.
•  Don’t litter, or put nasty stuff down the toilet.
• Keep storm sewers clean from litter.
• Report illegal dumping.
• Don’t wash your car near a storm sewer.