Chicago, the bustling city of skyscrapers, was once covered by sprawling wetlands that stretched across much of Illinois. Wetlands are misunderstood and vitally important freshwater systems that benefit humankind, plant and aquatic life. As some of the most biologically diverse ecosystems, they house countless species and improve water quality.
Today, Illinois retains roughly 10% of our original wetlands, and growing challenges threaten what remains. Let’s dive in and learn more about these essential systems and what we can do to protect them.
What are wetlands?
By definition, wetlands are areas where water covers soil, including marshes, swamps, bogs and margins of lakes and ponds. The connection between land and water creates a haven for aquatic life who call wetlands home. Ephemeral wetlands are seasonal wetlands created by spring rain or snowmelt, creating pockets of water for species like tadpoles and other larvae to develop without the presence of predators like fish.
What species are found in wetlands?
In the warmer Chicago months, you may hear or see some of the amazing animals living in ephemeral wetlands. As biodiversity hot spots, wetlands are home to numerous plant and animal species. Amphibians like frogs and salamanders, migratory birds, fishes, insects like dragonflies and more call wetlands home for all or part of the year. Blanding’s turtles, easily recognized by their bright yellow throat and chin, are just one of many species found in wetlands. However, the vast loss of their wetland habitat has impacted them, leaving them endangered in the state of Illinois. Blanding’s turtles aren’t alone in this; countless species that rely on wetlands are at risk as pressures on habitats continue to grow.
What do wetlands do?
Beyond functioning as nurseries for wildlife, wetlands are helping people and our planet. When rivers overflow, wetlands absorb runoff like a sponge and prevent flooding, protecting infrastructure and local ecosystems. They also work as large Brita filters, absorbing excess pollutants, nutrients and sediment before they reach rivers, lakes and other water systems. Plus, wetlands can absorb and store large amounts of carbon, lessening the impact of climate change. They are one of the most productive ecosystems in the world!
The benefits don’t end there, wetlands provide serene open spaces for recreational activities and leisure, contributing significantly to the vibrancy and vitality of Illinois as a place to live.
What’s impacting wetlands?
Wetlands face local and federal threats. In Illinois, invasive plant species like buckthorn outcompete native plant species for important nutrients needed to thrive. These habitats are sensitive and when invasive species dominate, they can alter light, temperature and food availability – impacting the species that depend on them.
Shedd Research Biologist Melissa Youngquist, Ph.D. is studying restoration efforts by clearing invasive vegetation and monitoring how amphibians respond. The results will inform how to best protect wetlands and the animals that need them.
Recent changes to federal protections mean that many small waterways, including wetlands, lack consistent safeguards. As a byproduct of weakening federal protections, proposed changes to the Clean Water Act could leave 94% of Illinois wetlands vulnerable, putting communities, wildlife and economies that depend on them at risk.
Photo by: Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez
What can I do?
Shedd scientists are advocating for freshwater protections across the globe. As the first-ever internationally recognized IUCN SSC Center for Species Survival: Freshwater, we’re conducting species surveys and establishing global partnerships to combat the current trend of freshwater biodiversity loss.
Protecting freshwater at large starts with small, impactful steps, including protecting what wetlands we still have — while we still can.
Illinoisians who want to get involved can take action by sending a letter to lawmakers to pass new legislation to make our state a wetlands haven. Legislation like the Wetlands Protection Act can fill the gaps left by federal rollbacks on clean water safeguards. Wetlands are the foundation of healthy freshwater ecosystems, and they need our help now more than ever. To learn more and send your letter, visit Act With Shedd.