Most of us know tomorrow, February 2nd, is Ground Hog Day. But it's not the only celebration.
It's also World Wetlands Day.
The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority's Conservation Educator, Melissa Prout, points out wetlands are nature's kidneys, filtering water. But the amount of wetlands in our area today is below five per cent of what it was in pre-settlement days.
Prout explains wetlands remove waste and impurities from water they play a very important role in minimizing the impact of soil and water pollution throughout the watershed.
One of the threats to wetland areas is that they are often perceived as wasted land and breeding grounds for mosquitoes and so the temptation is to fill them in.
The theme for this year’s World Wetlands Day is "Wetlands for our Future – Sustainable Livelihoods" which recognizes that important local industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, fishing, tourism, and recreation, rely on the quality and quantity of local water.
