Today is World Wetlands Day.
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority Wetlands Specialist Angela Van Niekerk explains the theme this year is Wetlands for Our Future.
She says, in keeping with that theme, World Wetlands Day organizers have launched a photo contest for young people between the ages of 15 and 24.
Van Niekerk says they're asked to submit photographs of their favourite wetlands before March 2nd.
First prize is a trip to a wetland anywhere in the world.
Van Niekerk points out wetlands provide a huge water storage area and soak up water from the ground and by holding that water they prevent it from rushing off the land which reduces erosion as well as soil loss.
She adds wetlands also help to filter sediment and nutrients out of our water.
More details about the photo contest can be found on the worldwetlandsday.org website
Van Niekerk says wetlands now make up just over two per cent of the Ausable Bayfield watershed while a healthy eco-system requires between 10 and 15 per cent