Historically, wetlands were thought to be useless by early settlers in North America. It is estimated that 2/3 of the natural wetlands in the Great Lakes region were filled or drained. This was done to provide land for creating farms and building homes. This caused a noticeable increase in flooding and loss of food and shelter for wildlife. This is still happening.

A wetland that has been filled.

Purple Loosestrife

Filling and draining are not the only threats to wetlands. Exotic species also threaten many wetlands. Exotic species are plants, animals, or insects that were accidentally or purposely introduced to an area they do not normally live in. When they are introduced to this new area, they grow so fast and in such great numbers that they make it hard for the native plants, animals, and insects to survive. In Michigan, one of the most threatening exotic species to wetlands is purple loosestrife, a plant that invades cattail marshes.

EXPLORE:

Learn more about this plant, as well as other exotic species in Michigan.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 100,000 acres of wetlands are still lost every year. See how wetlands have changed in your county.