From Ducks Unlimited Canada’s September 2019 newsletter comes this excellent summary about the value of wetlands as natural infrastructure.
“As our climate changes, damaging weather events will happen more frequently. Turn on the news and you’ll see how this affects the places where we live, work, and play. Investing in natural infrastructure is a significant step to address these challenges.
Here’s the 101: rather than building structures, we say use natural tools and techniques like restored wetlands and uplands planted with native grasses. Not only do these areas look beautiful and support wildlife, but they also act as sponges in heavy rains, they purify and store water, they reduce sediment and nutrient loading and slow stormwater runoff.”
Restored wetlands and uplands can address an array of environmental challenges. © DUC