Wetland Functions
Flood Protection
Wetlands help prevent floods by giving floodwater a place to go and releasing it slowly.
Climate Regulation
Wetlands worldwide help moderate global climatic conditions by storing large amounts of carbon and water.
Water Quality
Wetlands filter out pollutants and sediment from water flowing through.
Food Production
Wetlands are indispensable nursery grounds for many commercially important fish and shellfish species.
Water Supply
Wetlands help water return to underground aquifers and reservoirs, which are often tapped for human use.
Biodiversity
Wetlands are extremely important to a wide variety of animals and plants that cannot exist without wetlands.
Recreation
Wetlands are ideal place for people to enjoy time in nature - hiking, bird watching, boating, hunting, camping, or taking pictures.
Cultural Heritage
Wetlands are important to our understanding of past human settlement, in the Carolinas and around the world.