What are Wetlands?

Wetlands are often known as bogs, marshes, cedar swamps and potholes. They are unique areas that typically occur at the edge of aquatic and upland systems. Wetlands can be wet year-round, or just during certain seasons. They are characterized by wet soils and support vegetation, called hydrophytes, that adapt to the damp conditions. Cattails, wild rice, tamarack and cedar trees all grow in wetlands. Many animals also make their home in wetland ecosystems.

Why are Wetlands important?

Wetlands provide a habitat for birds and other wildlife, and support healthy fish populations. They increase water quality by filtering out and storing many pollutants (especially phosphorus). They also store water during heavy rain events therefore prevent flood damage. They also provide erosion control and are wonderful places for recreation.

Protecting these vital natural resources is important. When working near wetlands or planning to construct near a wetland, it is important minimize the impact of development as much as possible. In many cases it is advisable to avoid building on or near a wetland entirely.

Are you ready to '"Pave the Way" with porous pavers?

Porous (or pervious/permeable) asphalt, concrete and pavers are becoming more and more popular in construction practices. They allow water to filter and flow through them, greatly decreasing problems associated with runoff. Asphalt and concrete are engineered to have extra spaces (pores) that allow water to trickle straight down at the point of contact and enter a storage area (a sand and gravel sub-base) beneath the surface. Pavers are basically bricks that are placed in such a manner that water runs off into the crevices and filters into a storage area.

The following products can be used almost anywhere, commercially in large parking lots or on residential streets and driveways. They are designed to hold a large amount of water and to filter quickly.

• Porous pavement
• Pervious concrete pavement
• Pervious pavement
• Porous asphalt pavement with recharge beds: 20 years and still working

Green roofs have been used for many years in European countries, and they are beginning to gain popularity here in the United States. They are simply roofs that are planted with plants (usually native species). Much like porous pavement for a roof, green roofs are designed to absorb, filter and store stormwater. They also provide added insulation and can reduce building heating costs. Not only that, they are beautiful and provide a nice place to relax.

Green roofs, such as the one atop the Phillips Eco-Enterprise Center, are great places for employees to take a break and enjoy nature in an urban setting. Green roofs can also be installed on residential homes and garages, in addition to office buildings.

Swales are vegetated water conveyance systems that filter pollutants from stormwater runoff. Typically, they are shallow and are not designed to handle a large amount of water. In addition, they are usually fairly flat and are planted with native species, as they are more resistant to high water flow. Swales are generally low maintenance and can be installed almost anywhere that development occurs.

Among the many benefits of vegetated swales, they provide stabilization and prevent erosion, cost less to install than traditional curbs and gutters and are much nicer to look at compared to concrete and asphalt.

The following are additional resources that outline the benefits of vegetated swales: 

• Massachusetts LID Toolkit
• Rice Creek best management practices
• Grassed swales

• Know your soil
• Water sparingly and at the right time of day
• Use fertilizer properly
• Apply mulch
• Plant more perennials
• Start a compost
• Take care of your lawn in the fall before winter
• Make sure you aren't cutting your grass too short