James L. Cummins

American Wetlands by James L. Cummins 

May is the month to recognize and celebrate the wonderful ways wetlands enrich the environment and people. It is time to give back to the environment by learning more about wetlands and participating in the many scheduled events. 

Wildlife Mississippi is proud to join with other federal, state, and private partners celebrating American Wetlands Month each May. This year we are proud to celebrate the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Program’s 50th Anniversary. For the past 50 years, NWI has led the collection of scientific information necessary to strategically manage America’s wetland habitats and their associated ecosystem benefits–from detailed wetland maps to information on how wetlands are changing. Events are scheduled across the country to educate, involve, and engage Americans who want to better understand the value of one of Earth’s vital ecosystems. 

Wetlands are among the most valuable but least understood of natural resources. They provide rich habitats for wildlife. They are places in which many animals and birds build nests and raise their young. Migrating birds, such as waterfowl, stopover in wetlands to rest and to feed. We celebrate wetlands each May when they are teeming with new animal and plant life. Wetlands benefit our communities as well. They replenish and clean drinking water supplies and reduce flood risks, provide recreational opportunities and aesthetic benefits. They serve as sites for scientific research and education, and benefit Mississippi’s vast seafood industry. 

Wetlands are the link between land and water, where the flow of water, the cycling of nutrients, and the energy of the sun meet to produce a unique ecosystem characterized by hydrology, special soils, and vegetation. Wetlands provide numerous benefits, including habitat for flora and fauna, improved water quality, flood abatement, water storage and groundwater recharge, reduced erosion, support of fisheries, and opportunities for education and recreation. Wetlands may not be wet year-round. In fact, some of the most important wetlands are seasonally dry transition zones. 

Unfortunately, wetlands have been misunderstood for many years, often viewed as wastelands to be drained and converted to other uses. But if wetlands disappear, water will not be as clean, fish and bird populations will suffer, and the frequency and severity of floods will increase. Americans have begun to recognize the value of wetlands, and the rate of loss has declined dramatically over the last 30 years. It is important that we continue to stop the loss of wetlands and begin to achieve a net gain through better management and restoration. 

Many communities are now exploring how to best protect their existing wetland resources and restore some of the thousands of acres that have been lost or degraded. And many of the ones that do are seeing a reduction in flood insurance rates. Active citizens are working to protect this critical feature of the environment for future generations. Learn how you can help by discovering more about wetlands and participating in events celebrating American Wetlands Month.

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