Wetlands

Wetlands are land areas that are saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, and form their own ecosystems. Characterized by distinctive aquatic vegetation, wetlands include forested swamps, grassy marshes, and mossy, shrubby mires such as bogs and fens.
 
Wetlands can play important roles in the surrounding environment, including water purification, flood control, and maintaining shoreline stability.
 
Different types of wetlands can attract different species of wildlife, but fish, reptiles, and amphibians are common. Semiaquatic mammals such as otters, beavers, and weasels are also found in certain areas and are critical to maintaining ecosystem balance.