How Do Wetlands Protect Against Floods?

Michigan Environmental Education Curriculum
Wetland Ecosystems

When an area floods with water, wetlands act like a giant sponge. This is because the living plants and even the dead plant matter can absorb the extra water. By absorbing this extra floodwater, wetlands also help slow down the movement of this water to surrounding areas - areas where people may have houses! So, having wetlands in areas where there is a lot of flooding may save your home from becoming flooded.