Why Wetlands?

This is Bayshore Pond, located in the Bayshore Subdivision 

 Wetlands are full of life. Wetlands reduce flooding and erosion and they filter sediments and pollution from the water. They fall into one of the four basic types. They are marsh, swamp, bog and fen. Its location, its plant life, and kind of soil will tell you what type of wetland you have in your area.

 Bayshore Pond is part of a marsh /swamp system. It is located a short distance from Cook Inlet in the Bayshore Subdivision. Water that drains into the pond comes from the east. The depth measures about 5 to 6 feet in the deepest sections of the pond. Waterlilies are found in the northern corner with grass and alder bushes around its perimeter.

Although it is only about the size of half a city block, it is thriving with invertebrates and plant life. You can also see muskrats, shrews, and a multitude of resident and migratory birds nesting in the area.

What Kind of Wetland Do You Have?

Marsh

  • A marsh is found along rivers , streams, and in shallows of ponds and lakes.
  • Plant life is soft-stemmed plants such as cattail and water lilies.
  • Depth is up to 7 feet and small marshes may dry up in the summer.

 Swamp

  • Swamps are found along rivers, streams and lakes.
  • Plant life if mainly woody-stemmed plants such as shrubs and trees
  • The shallow water may dry up in the summer.

Bog

  • Bogs are found in northern climates. It's often deep with no drainage.
  • Plant life consists of layers of peat, evergreen trees and shrubs. There's usually a thick carpet of sphagnum moss and insect-eating plants.
  • The water is stagnant and acidic. Open water may be deep.

Fen

  • A fen is often found in northern climates and usually found in low-lying areas with some drainage.
  • Plant life would be layers of peat, sledges, grasses and low shrubs and insect-eating plants.
  • The water is slow-moving and shallow. It may dry up in the summer.

Check other wetland information regarding our class , our study of invertebrates, learn about our grant or go back to the Wetland Contents Page.
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