Sunday is World Wetlands Day and according to a spokesperson for the Nature Conservancy of Canada, wetlands are the “unsung heroes” in the Maritimes.
Andrew Holland tells us that this day has been celebrated since 1971 to focus on how critical wetlands are to our communities and there are many that run right through our province.
“From the Chignecto Isthmus in northern Nova Scotia, along the New Brunswick border, the hogwash estuary down Cape Breton and central Cape Breton all the way to the South Shore, Yarmouth and Port Jolie.”
He says they have many benefits.
“They provide safety during heavy rain…and that’s becoming more frequent…they act like a giant roll of paper towel or giant sponge. They hold or retain water and that protects our bridges, our roads, our culverts and agricultural properties, in terms of runoff.”
In addition to that, Holland says, they are also important when temperatures soar in warmer months.
“Also, during droughts, during dry periods, when they hold water during hot temperatures…and also when fires are spreading. They act as fire breaks.”
Wetlands are also home to wildlife such as birds and turtles.
What is the conservancy doing for wetlands?
The Nature Conservancy of Canada currently has 7,000 projects across the country to protect them.
Holland says they work with private landowners either through donations or fundraisers to conserve and restore them.
Creating awareness
According to Holland, wetlands are overlooked and underappreciated as they continue to provide benefits to us personally.
“If you brushed your teeth today, you should thank a wetland, because wetlands help purify our drinking water. They remove sediments, bacteria and other things that many of our communities rely on. They filter our water.”
He says it’s important to be better aware of them and encourages supporting conservation efforts.
