- 1Reduce flooding – They absorb and slow floodwaters, protecting downstream communities.
- 2Filter water – Wetland vegetation removes pollutants, improving water quality.
- 3Recharge groundwater – Floodwaters seep into aquifers, sustaining water supplies.
- 4Support biodiversity – They provide vital habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife.
- 5Store carbon – Wetland soils trap carbon, helping mitigate climate change.
- 6Boost resilience – Natural floodplains adapt to climate extremes better than engineered systems.
- 7Enhance recreation and agriculture – When sustainably managed, they support farming, fishing, and outdoor activities.
In short: floodplains are nature’s infrastructure—critical for both ecological health and human safety. As human populations and development continue to impact our most vital natural resources, our focus must shift to restoring, enhancing and preserving our streams, wetlands and floodplains. Nature's infrastructure depends on it.
