Wetlands are areas where water is the primary factor controlling theenvironment and the associated plant and animal life. Historically, wetlandswere perceived as useless swamps and were drained, filled, channeled, andpolluted. Over half of the 200 million acres of wetlands in the continentalUnited States were destroyed. The National Wetlands Policy Forum's goalsfor protecting and managing the nation's wetlands include: (1) to achieveno overall net loss of the nation's remaining wetlands; and (2) to increasethe quality and quantity of the nation's wetlands resource base. OurPickeringtonElementary project is related to many existing programs, including Audubon'sAmerica, Ducks Unlimited, Waterfowl U.S.A, Nature Conservancy, the OhioDepartment of Natural Resources, and the Fairfield Soil and Water ConservationDistricts.
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Students & Microscope at Pickerington Ponds |
Currently, flooding in southern Ohio and across the country has affectedcountless individuals and communities. With the destruction of wetlands,Ron Hirschi says that "we've taken away the sponge." There isno place else for run-off water to go. The tenuous balance must be achievedthrough education. By observing the characteristics of wetlands, we maybe able to provide strategies to remedy such tragic consequences in thefuture.
Student Stories |
How To Hear the Grass Sing |