One benefit not recognized by large numbers of people is that wetlands contribute to the quality of water through an active filtering process. This process takes up pollutants from runoff, before it enters other water systems. Wetlands, also known as marshes, fens, bogs and swamps, hold rain fall during peak periods, reducing flooding by decreasing the velocity of water, which is then released over the following months - a boon to downstream land owners. Many rare wildlife and plant species find refuge in wetland sanctuaries. Deer are often seen foraging in these untamed landscapes. Wetlands play an important role in a healthy ecosystem and promise ducks, geese, herons, and butterflies. It was estimated that there were once 50 million hectares of wetlands in Ontario, 2 million of those in southern Ontario. Now, less than one quarter of these wetlands remain and they are disappearing at an alarming rate as a result of land clearing, shoreline disturbance, drainage and impoundment. In the City of Hamilton, close to 80% of wetlands are gone. This loss of wetlands continues because their value in the natural state is often not fully considered or understood. The Hamilton Conservation Foundation is working hard to raise fund in support of the wetland protection strategy of the Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) - a strategy that will help ensure our precious wetland resources are protected for generations to come. You can help preserve what little remains of wetlands in the Hamilton area by adopting a metre of marsh. The time to act is now - tomorrow may be too late. Dundas Valley Conservation Area | 
