Discover the Chesapeake FAQ Wetlands

FAQ

Do you have a question about the Chesapeake Bay? Explore our list of frequently asked questions to learn more about the Bay and its watershed, habitats and wildlife. You can browse the FAQ by category, or explore the answers to some of our most common questions below.

If you have a question that hasn’t been answered in our FAQ, ask us by filling out the form below.

Wetlands

  • What makes an area a wetland?

    An area is considered a wetland based on its plants and soil. Wetlands are dominated by plants called “hydrophytes” that are adapted for life in wet soils. Wetlands also have hydric soils, meaning they are periodically saturated or flooded.

  • What threatens wetlands?

    Wetlands are threatened by direct impacts such as shoreline development and invasive species, as well as water-quality impacts from excess nutrients, sediment and chemical contaminants. Many wetlands are also at risk to effects from climate change and sea level rise.

  • What benefits do wetlands provide?

    Wetlands filter polluted runoff, ease flood and storm damages, provide habitat for wildlife and offer opportunities for recreation like fishing, hunting and bird-watching.

Ask a question

Can't find your question in our FAQ? Ask us by filling out the form below. We'll do our best to answer your question in a timely manner. We may even add it to our FAQ!

Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.

FAQ Categories

  • All Categories
  • Agriculture
  • Air Pollution
  • Bay Ecosystem
  • Bay Grasses
  • Bay History
  • Bay Watershed
  • Blue Crabs
  • Chemical Contaminants
  • Climate Change
  • Development
  • Education
  • Forests
  • Groundwater
  • Invasive Species
  • Menhaden
  • Monitoring
  • Nutrients
  • Oysters
  • Population Growth
  • Rivers and Streams
  • Sediment
  • Shad
  • Stormwater Runoff
  • Striped Bass
  • Wastewater
  • Weather
  • Wetlands

Find Us On

Stay Informed

Get the latest updates on our work delivered to your inbox.

Subscribe

About the Chesapeake Bay Program

The Chesapeake Bay Program is a unique regional partnership that has led and directed the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay since 1983.

410 Severn Avenue Suite 112
Annapolis, MD 21403

Tel: (800) YOUR-BAY (968-7229)
Fax: (410) 267-5777

© 2021 Chesapeake Bay Program All Rights Reserved
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

Chesapeake Bay Program
www.chesapeakebay.net

Chesapeake Bay Program logo