05/28/2026
Wetlands play an important role in helping watersheds respond to heavy rain and changing water conditions.
Michigan is home to many different types of wetlands, from coastal marshes along the Great Lakes to forested swamps, wet meadows, and small inland bogs. While each wetland is unique, they all share a few important traits: water is present at or near the surface for at least part of the year, the soils develop under prolonged saturated conditions, and the plants growing there are specially adapted to life in saturated ground.
These natural systems act like storage areas for water across the landscape. During large rain events, wetlands absorb and temporarily hold water, slowly releasing it back into streams and groundwater over time. Wetlands connected to rivers and streams can also store floodwaters when water levels rise beyond the banks, helping reduce the speed and intensity of flooding downstream.
Wetlands also help stabilize shorelines and streambanks, reduce erosion, filter pollutants and sediment from runoff, recharge groundwater supplies, and provide critical habitat for fish and wildlife.
Healthy wetlands are an important part of resilient watersheds and communities. Protecting and restoring wetlands helps support cleaner water, healthier ecosystems, and stronger natural defenses against flooding and erosion.
Learn more about wetlands on our website: https://watershedcouncil.org/our-waters/wetlands/
