February 2nd is World Wetlands Day, as recognized by the United Nations. Wetlands are ecosystems where water is the primary factor controlling the environment and the associated plant and animal life. A broad definition of wetlands includes both freshwater and marine and coastal ecosystems such as all lakes and rivers, underground aquifers, swamps and marshes, wet grasslands, peatlands, oases, estuaries, deltas, and tidal flats, mangroves and other coastal areas, coral reefs, and all human-made sites such as fishponds, rice paddies, reservoirs, and saltpans.
Although they only cover about 6% of the Earth's land surface, 40% of all plant and animal species live or breed in wetlands. These lands are critical to people and nature, given the intrinsic value of these ecosystems, and their benefits and services, including their environmental, climate, ecological, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational, and aesthetic contributions to sustainable development and human wellbeing.
Close to home, the Lydick Bog sits in our own backyard in South Bend. This dedicated Indiana state nature preserve protects one of the last remaining sphagnum bog habitats in Indiana. For World Wetlands Day, we encourage you to learn more about the Lydick Bog and consider taking a trip there to experience this unique piece of nature.