Wetlands

What makes a wetland? Just add water! The presence of water helps create particular types of soils that grow water tolerant plants. A wetland is an area that is covered by shallow water or has waterlogged soil for long periods of time during the growing season. Wetlands form that critical ecological bridge between water and land.

Habitats found in wetlands are some of the most diverse and productive in the world. One study found over 700 species of plants and animals using a wetland ecosystem including 489 species of plants, 136 kinds of birds, 32 species of fish, 21 varieties of mammals, and 12 kinds of reptiles.

Wetlands provide a number of benefits to the human and biological community. They provide fish and wildlife habitat, improve water quality, reduce soil erosion, reduce flooding, improve ground water recharge, and provide ample recreational opportunities. For years the value of wetlands was not completely understood. As a result, approximately 53% of the nation’s 221 million acres of wetlands have been destroyed and an additional 117,000 acres are lost each year. In Kansas 48% of our wetlands have been filled or drained. Wetlands have been lost acre by acre over the years and must be reclaimed much the same year.

The primary intent of wetland management at Perry Lake is to provide quality habitat for waterfowl such as ducks and geese and shorebirds. Several wetland areas around the lake supply a critical resting place during the grueling spring and fall migrations, providing quality food reserves that the birds will need to continue their flight north to their nesting grounds or south to the wintering areas. Other benefits include enhancing the bio-diversity of the area and provide valuable habitat for resident wildlife populations including birds, mammals, amphibians, and insects.

Several wetland areas are found throughout the lake area. The Corps of Engineers actively manages the Delaware Marsh Area found below the dam, while the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks manages fourteen wetland areas found within the Perry Wildlife area, located in the northern part of the lake area.

Recreational opportunities found at the area wetlands range from viewing and photographing wildlife to taking a scenic hike through the native grasses and wildflowers. Enjoy!