Wetlands & Vernal Pools

WETLANDS

A wetland is a distinct ecosystem that is flooded by water, either permanently or seasonally, where oxygen-free processes prevail. The primary factor that distinguishes wetlands from other land forms or water bodies is the characteristic vegetation of aquatic plants, adapted to the unique hydric soil. (from Wikipedia)

Since the late 18th century, 90 percent of Ohio’s wetland resources have been destroyed or degraded through draining, filling or other modifications. Because of the valuable functions the remaining wetlands perform, FLOW is avid about preserving our local wetlands, whether natural or man-made.

VERNAL POOLS

Vernal pools, also called vernal ponds or ephemeral pools, are seasonal pools of water that provide habitat for distinctive plants and animals. They are considered to be a distinctive type of wetland usually devoid of fish, and thus allow the safe development of natal amphibian and insect species unable to withstand competition or predation by fish. (from Wikipedia)

Several vernal pools can be found in the watershed at Kenny & Woodward Parks.

OTHER TYPES OF WETLANDS

Scrub shrub

Forested

Marsh

Herbacious

Emergent

The Ohio EPA Stream and Wetland Mitigation Application site shows the locations of wetlands in the watershed with their designation. It classifies the wetlands shown as emergent, scrub-shrub, forested, or vernal pools, with quality ratings applied. Smaller wetlands such as Webster Park and Sharon Meadows do not appear.