|
Wetlands are defined as areas that are permanently or seasonally saturated. They are characterized by poorly drained soils and contain plants that are adapted to wet habitats. The wetland may be in an area where the groundwater is high causing the soil to be moist enough to contain wetland plants, yet the area does not appear wet.
Wetlands can range from shallow open water, grassy areas, to treed swamps. There are five major types of wetlands:
|
Bogs are low nutrient, acidic areas that are comprised of decomposing organic material (leaf litter, dying plants etc), and receive little to no inflowing water. Bogs are characterized by plants such as Pitcher Plants, Sundews, Cotton Grass, Black Spruce and Sphagnum Moss. Bogs are very rare in the Durham Region.
| 
Sphagnum Moss(left), Sundews(right)
Photo: L. Riederer
| 
Pitcher Plant Photo: L. Riederer
|
|
Fens are groundwater fed areas and contain a peaty substrate. They may be rich or very low in nutrients. Fens can be open, shrubby or treed, and are often characterized by sedges, rushes and grasses.
| 
Fen Lanscape Photo: L. Riederer
|
|
Marshes are permanently or seasonally saturated areas characterized by emergent vegetation, like cattails and grasses.
| 
Marsh
|
|
Swamps are forested wetlands that are permanently or seasonally saturated and consist of deciduous and coniferous trees.
| 
Swamp
|
|
Shallow Water are areas with water reaching up to 2m deep, and can consist of both submergent, emergent and floating vegetation.
| 
Shallow Water
|
|
