Feb 2, a noteworthy date, for what reason?

 Feb 2 is well-known for being Groundhog day. But is it really that important of a day to recognize? Will whether the groundhog sees its shadow or not, really be an accurate forecast of what is ahead for the remainder of winter?

I rather doubt it. 

Perhaps the best thing about the attention given to groundhog day is that it provides us something to talk about during this normally long period of winter, when many are patiently waiting for spring!

Perhaps a much more important day on Feb 2 is the recognition of it being World Wetlands Day. Wetlands include coastal marshes, flooded forests, wet prairies, bogs, peatlands, etc. Wetlands are some of the most important elements of nature for so many reasons. For example they are indirectly the source of our drinking water. They harbour thousands of native species, both plant and animal, many of which are declining and at risk. They prevent flooding. They filter out sediment and pollutants from entering the rivers and lakes. They store carbon.

Canada is home to about 70% of the world's freshwater wetlands. We have been blessed far more than we realize, yet wetlands are constantly under threat of increased pollution and loss. They are being invaded by aggressive non-native flora and fauna. They are an easy target for conversion to some other purpose, including agriculture/commercial/industrial/residential development.

This first photo shows what a normal creek system looks like.

This next photo shows the same creek system, from the same spot, during a high water flood event only 5 days earlier, due to the heavily drained/tiled lands upstream.

This next photo show the invasion of non-native Phragmites into a high quality wetland along Lake St. Clair.

Exploring accessible wetland areas are immensely important for a person's mental and physical well being. For example watching a sunrise or sunset is generally a healthy event for a persons mental health, but when viewing it in a wetland setting increases its value.

Mitchell's Bay North Shore Trail sunset

Chenal Ecarte sunset, north end of Bear Line

Sunrise from Erieau, looking towards Rondeau Bay

 The greatest amount of freshwater wetlands in Canada are in the far north. In Ontario this includes the Hudson Bay Lowlands as shown by these next two photos taken while I was on a wildlife survey project at Polar Bear Provincial Park in the early 1990s.

At the opposite end of the province is Fish Point Provincial Nature Reserve at the southern tip of Pelee Island, with a small but quite functional and important wetland.

And in between, are many wetlands that feature that Canadian icon, the Canadian Beaver.

 The central parts of Ontario are well endowed with small lake/wetland complexes.

North of Huntsville

Other wetlands feature wildlife such as the Common Gallinule, a species easily heard, but not often seen.

Here, a young family skirts the edge of a cattail and Phragmites stand.

Rare species such as orchids occur in quality wetlands. This next photo shows a person (centre right) involved in a survey for the endangered Eastern Prairie White-fringed Orchid at a wetland in Chatham-Kent.....

Eastern Prairie White-fringed Orchid

Wet woodlands, often called woodland swamps, or just plain swamps, are common place.

Bickford Oak Woods Conservation Reserve

Rondeau Prov Park

Large wetlands along Lake St. Clair provide excellent habitat for migrating, as well as breeding, waterfowl.

St. Clair NWA

St. Clair NWA

Rondeau 

 

Let's give wetlands their due!!!

 

If you would like to subscribe, or unsubscribe, to Nature Nuggets, please send an email to: prairietramper@gmail.com