EPHEMERAL WETLANDS: A Vanishing Habitat

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1 EPHEMERAL WETLANDS: A Vanishing Habitat Four photos representing four major ephemeral wetland types in Midwest: Northern Woodlands Prairie Pothole Kettle Moraine Hole Pitted Outwash/Lacustrine Basin Ephemeral Wetlands are (DESCRIPTION)

2 Ephemeral Wetlands: Change Through the Seasons Shown here is the same wetland throughout the year to illustrate the seasonal changes of ephemeral wetlands. Fall rains and snowmelt fill the wetlands and provide over-wintering habitat for many amphibians and turtles. In the spring the Tiger Salamanders are out in search of mates before the ice melts completely. The late spring, early summer brings Tree Frogs and Spring Peepers. By June or July most of the larvae are ready for land. A rainy night or two in July starts the great migration to the uplands and the next step of the life cycle. By fall there are few signs of what once was. This seasonal fluctuation of the water table helps to prevent survival of predatory fish in these wetlands. Prairie sketch Transition to

3 Ephemeral Wetlands: Reasons For Concern Ephemeral Wetlands are: not well protected under current regulations. not well understood or identified across the landscape. small most under one to two acres. are often converted to other uses such as detention ponds, fish ponds or land for agriculture. extremely critical to many reptile and amphibian species. important to migrating birds. tend to be hydrologically isolated. are occasionally protected but the upland is usually destroyed. threatened by invasive plant species being lost across the Midwest. Conversions Many of our small ephemeral wetlands have been excavated to construct detention ponds in new developments or to create permanent ponds for aquaculture. This change in hydrology encourages fish and funnels polluted stormwater into the ponds both detrimental to the delicate balance of life that ephemeral wetlands sustain. They have also been drained and filled to facilitate agriculture or building new subdivisions. Oak Savannah Sketch Transition to Oak/Hickory/Maple Forest This sketch represents the differing types of habitats that ephemeral wetlands are found in across the Midwest.

4 Loss of Upland Habitat Even if the wetland itself is not filled or altered, without upland habitat the wetland will not continue to be productive. Many creatures that depend on ephemeral wetlands for some part of their life cycle need the upland just as much. The upland also provides a buffer for the wetland, filtering polluted runoff that can harm the wetland. Legal Issues Transitions to Dense Northern Forests

5 Ephemeral Wetlands: So, Who Cares? Photos & Captions for this page: Tiger Salamander breeds in ephemeral wetlands in the spring Great Plains Toad Leopard Frog breeds in ephemeral wetlands and lives in uplands Blanding s Turtle depends on abundant amphibian larvae for food Crayfish Fairy Shrimp eggs require seasonal drying period to hatch Dragonfly Larvae Diving Beetles - Spp. Wading birds depend on abundant spring insects for food Pintail depend on abundant spring insects for food Prairie Pond Sketch with color pictures in-set

6 Ephemeral Wetland Conservation: How You Can Help Things you can do to protect and preserve Ephemeral Wetlands: Learn to identify ephemeral wetlands in the landscape (websites etc) Protect the upland areas around wetlands they are an important part of the wetland ecosystem. Support legislation that protects wetlands of any type. Visit ephemeral wetlands in your area experience their uniqueness. Volunteer for local restoration efforts contact local conservation organizations. Consider long-term protection options for wetlands on your private property such as conservation easements contact local land trust. Resource Contacts: By state: Educational Resources: Land Protection: Sponsor Logos along bottom.