Coastal Marsh Lands

On average, one acre of salt marsh can reduce approximately 1,940 pounds of carbon per year. This is equivalent to removing one car from the road for a year.

Salt marshes are able to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through a process called photosynthesis. The plants in a salt marsh use carbon dioxide and sunlight to create food, and the excess carbon dioxide is stored in the plant tissues and in the soil. Salt marshes are also able to store carbon in their sediments, which are made up of dead plant and animal matter. The amount of carbon that a salt marsh can sequester can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of plants in the marsh, the amount of sunlight and rainfall, and the level of disturbance. However, even small salt marshes can make a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Here are some of the benefits of salt marshes: They provide a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including fish, birds, and shellfish. They help to protect shorelines from erosion. They filter pollutants from water. They provide a place for recreation and education. They help to mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Salt marshes are an important part of our coastal ecosystems, and they play a vital role in protecting our environment. We can all do our part to protect salt marshes by reducing our impact on the environment and by supporting efforts to restore and conserve these valuable habitats.

Wetlands do more than provide habitat for plants and animals in the watershed. When rivers overflow, wetlands help to absorb and slow floodwaters. This ability to control floods can alleviate property damage and loss and can even save lives. Wetlands also absorb excess nutrients, sediment, and other pollutants before they reach rivers, lakes, and other waterbodies. They are great spots for fishing, canoeing, hiking, and bird-watching, and they make wonderful outdoor classrooms for people of all ages.