New England Wetlands: Ecology, Functions, and Degradation

Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present either at or near the surface of the soil for at least part of the growing season. The occurrence and flow of water (hydrology) largely determine how the soil develops and the types of plant and animal communities living in and on the soil. Wetlands may support both aquatic and terrestrial species. The prolonged presence of water creates conditions that favor the growth of specially adapted plants (hydrophytes) and promote the development of characteristic wetland (hydric) soils. Wetlands vary widely because of regional and local differences in soils, topography, climate, hydrology, water chemistry, vegetation, and other factors, including human disturbance. Indeed, wetlands are found from the tundra to the tropics and on every continent except Antarctica. Two general categories of wetlands are recognized: tidally-influenced wetlands and nontidal (or inland) wetlands.

New England Wetlands: Ecology, Functions, and Degradation

New England Region Wetland Types

Wetland Ecology and Functions

Wetland Loss and Degradation

Projects

Wetland Assessment Projects