Growing Importance Of Wetlands Spurs Unconventional Approaches

Conservationists are getting creative in their approach to expanding wetlands, an ecosystem of flooded areas lined with plants that contribute to water purification and wildlife habitats.

In Ohio, the park district in Hamilton County recently installed floating wetlands in a pond at Parky’s Farm, a 100-acre educational site. Five perforated mats, each measuring 8 feet by 16 feet, were placed in a body of water there. The mats include more than 1,500 aquatic plants, such as swamp milkweed, cardinal flower, and broadleaf arrowhead.