A Louisiana Treasure

What is a wetland?A low-lying area of soft waterlogged ground and

standing waterTransition zones between land and waterThree conditions of a wetland:

WaterSoilPlants

Bog, marsh, swamp

Properties of Matter

SolidLiquidGas

Matching Activity

SolidsHave a shape and a volume of its

ownAnimals

AlligatorEgretCrawfish

PlantsCypress treesCattailsCordgrass

Liquids

• Have a volume, but no shape of its own

• Takes the shape of its container• Water

• Salt water• Intermediate water• Brackish water• Fresh water

Gases

Do not have a volume or shape of their own

GasesOxygenCarbon DioxideMethane

The Vanishing WetlandsApproximately half the Nation's original wetland

habitats have been lost over the past 200 years.

Most of that loss has occurred in Louisiana.

Since 1932, Louisiana has lost enough coastal wetlands to equal the state of Delaware (1,900 square miles).

A football field-size portion of the Louisiana coast reverts to water every 38 minutes.

Causes of Wetland Loss

Natural CausesSubsidenceHurricanesWave erosionSea-level riseSalt-water intrusion

Human ActivitiesCanal, levee, and

dam constructionCommercial and

Residential development

Drainage channelsShoreline erosion

from ship traffic

Functions and Values

Commercial and Recreational ValuesWildlife HabitatsMaintain Water QualityControl Erosion and FloodingAct as Storm BuffersCultural Values

What can we do to help?Save waterDispose of household products

carefullyCare for your lawnPractice sensible pest controlControl run-off from your yardControl soil erosionMaintain your septic systemUse car care products wiselyContain chemical spills

What can we do to help now?

Get involved

Introduce T-shirt activity

Design Your T-Shirt

Draw your interpretation of the wetlandsInclude “Save Our Wetlands” somewhere in

the designBlack and WhiteUse picturesGroupsVote!