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.
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
Thanks to EcoBot for their help advising on this project!
A huge thank you to the Brookby Foundation and the Great Lakes Fisheries Trust for funding SEEDS’ wetland exhibits at Historic Barns Park!