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- Wetland Protectors!
Most folks in Louisiana have a local waterway near where they live. These wetland areas are important for a variety of human needs and wildlife. However, some wetland areas are not healthy because they suffer from pollution. In this activity you will explore a common kind of pollution – litter – and come up with a plan to help out!
Don’t pick up anything that is sharp (broken glass, needles) or items that came in contact with body fluids (diapers, feminine hygiene products, etc.). When in doubt, let it be!
| Material Type | Bags | Bottles | Other Container (jars, tubes, etc.) |
Other |
| Glass | ||||
| Metal | ||||
| Plastic | ||||
| Paper | ||||
| Other |
Litter is just one kind of pollution – there are other types that are much harder to see because they are so small or can be dissolved in the water. The good news is that there are a variety of actions you can take to help reduce the amount of pollution entering wetlands. The table below contains some suggestions of what you can do to help out!
| Pollutant | Remedy |
| Trash/litter | Organize a trash clean-up. |
| Vehicle Fluids: oil, brake fluid, antifreeze | Plant wetland vegetation around perimeter of pond to act as a filter. |
| Excess nitrogen & phosphorous | Education and outreach to residents about fertilizer use in the backyard . |
| Bacteria overload | Educate residents about picking up their dog’s feces. Also, investigate whether there is a nearby farm and talk with the farmer about management practices . |
| Too much soil in water column (turbid) | Plant grasses and wetland vegetation to keep soil from eroding into pond . |
Wetlands act as natural filters for a variety of pollution. In next week’s Wetland Wednesdays, you will see how wetlands can filter out pollution by making your own water filter!