Wetlands at Historic Barns Park

Wetlands, or areas that are regularly or periodically saturated with water, are essential parts of the Grand Traverse Bay Watershed. A watershed is an area of land where water is channeled from streams, rivers, lakes, and groundwater towards a common outlet.

Wetlands play a critical role in flood control, reducing pollution and erosion, and supporting fish and other wildlife. Whether they’re connected to the watershed via groundwater or because of their location in a floodplain, wetlands are a place where water can rest and release sediment and other pollutants on its journey towards the bay.

Thanks to wetlands, Grand Traverse has some of the highest water quality of all of the Great Lakes’ bays.

To learn more about wetlands and watershed health please visit:

West Michigan Environmental Action Council - Explaining Stormwater Runoff

MSU Extension - A History of Wetlands in Michigan

The Watershed Center at Grand Traverse Bay - Kids Creek

USGS - Watersheds and Drainage Basins

Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network - ID and Reporting Tools

Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy - Recreation Areas Around Grand Traverse Bay

Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife and Habitat

Grass River Natural Area - Habitats and Natural Communities

Your Local Conservation District

A huge thank you to the Brookby Foundation and the Great Lakes Fisheries Trust for funding SEEDS’ wetland exhibits at Historic Barns Park!