Among the most productive ecosystems in the world—comparable to rain forests and coral reefs—wetlands support an immense variety of native plants and animals. In fact, over half of the wildlife species in Pennsylvania depend upon wetlands for feeding or reproduction.
Wetlands also serve as “living filters.” They replenish groundwater, absorb and slow floodwaters, and filter excess nutrients, sediment, and other pollutants from stormwater runoff.
In the last 200 years, more than half of our region’s wetlands have been drained or filled for agriculture and development. In response, Natural Lands is working to restore ecological balance by re-establishing wetlands at many of our preserves.