Wetlands are Vital Ecosystems
Wetlands are among the most vibrant ecosystems in our watershed. From turtles basking on floating logs as ducks swim by, to cattails blowing in the wind, to the melody of frogs croaking in the distance, these habitats are alive with movement and sound. These spots are more than beautiful places to explore, they’re essential to clean water, healthy wildlife and resilient communities.
Wetlands are nature’s water-filter. Soil and plants in wetlands soak up and clean runoff, trap sediments and filter pollutants, helping to keep rivers and streams clean downstream.
Before European settlement, 10 to 15 per cent of the Credit River Watershed was covered by wetlands. Over time, many of these areas were drained or filled to make way for farmland and urban development. Today, only seven per cent of the Credit River Watershed remains as wetlands. In urban centres like Mississauga and Brampton, the number is closer to one per cent. Protecting the wetlands that remain is critical as they are key habitats that play an important role in our watershed.
Wetlands are Full of Life
Wetlands support an incredible diversity of wildlife. Red-winged blackbirds, great blue herons and trumpeter swans rely on them for food and nesting, particularly during migration. Frogs and toads use wetlands as breeding grounds, while fish use them as safe places to spawn and grow. Mammals and insects rely on wetlands for food and shelter.
Photo by Jon Clayton
Many animals that live in or use wetlands for part of their life cycle are species that are at risk. Threats include invasive species, road mortality and habitat loss. Protecting wetland habitat is essential-not only for these species at risk such as black ash, snapping turtles and yellow rail bird, but also for the essential functions wetlands perform.
Wetland Health Monitoring
We monitor the health of wetlands within the Credit River Watershed through our Integrated Watershed Monitoring Program (IWMP). We survey plants, frogs and toads to understand how these ecosystems are doing and to spot changes over time.
The good news is that many wetlands across the Credit River Watershed continue to support a diverse community of native plant species. They provide benefits we rely on including:
- Stabilizing soil
- Reducing flooding
- Improving water quality
- Storing carbon
- Helping to protect coastlines
Wetlands in our parks also provide residents and visitors spaces to enjoy nature through fishing, birdwatching and photography.
Wetlands in our Parks
At Rattray Marsh Conservation Area the Knoll Trail offers a boardwalk loop that passes through sensitive wetland areas, where you have the chance to spot marsh birds and other wildlife.
The Wetland Trail at Terra Cotta Conservation Area is a 0.4 kilometre stroller-friendly loop with boardwalks through open-water wetlands. Visitors can spot frogs, turtles and other wildlife while enjoying interactive Tales on the Trail story panels that make the walk both fun and educational.
Explore IWMP’s findings and recommended actions to protect wetlands in our IWMP StoryMap Collection.
By Emily Stacy, Technician, Watershed Monitoring