Wetland/Riparian Forest Ecosystem

Forested corridors help to filter out pollutants.  © ODNR

Serving as transition zones between dry land and water, wetlands are unique environments that prove both ecologically and economically valuable. Wetlands filter out sediments, nutrients, and pollutants from surface runoff. They are valuable habitats for terrestrial and aquatic organisms, and provide resting or breeding areas for migratory birds. Also, wetlands help prevent or moderate flooding.

The Darby watershed, much like all of Ohio, has suffered a 90% to 95% decline in wetland acres. Today, most of the wetlands have been drained, especially in the headwaters where the stream itself was channelized to facilitate drainage. The few remaining wetlands in the watershed play a significant role in maintaining water quality.
 
 
The riparian forests, which once covered the watershed, had a significant influence over the aquatic ecosystem. Forested corridors are important because they intercept sediment, nutrients, pesticides, and other materials in surface runoff and reduce nutrients and other pollutants in shallow subsurface water flow. Woody vegetation in forest buffers provides food and cover for wildlife, helps lower water temperatures by shading the water, and slows out-of-bank flooding. In addition, the vegetation closest to the stream provides organic nutrients important to aquatic organisms. Today, the forest has largely been replaced by agricultural land uses.

Return to Darby Ecosystems