Wetlands

Though no definite figures exist, it is estimated that over 3,500 acres in the Davis Creek Watershed originally consisted of wetlands.   As the region was settled,  many of these low areas were filled or drained in order to allow for development or farming.  Current measurements estimate that a mere 550 acres of wetland remain today within the Davis Creek Watershed.

These important communities help to maintain the delicate balance of the ecosystem.  Wetlands act as sponges, absorbing excess runoff during rain events.  As the water infiltrates, it is cleansed via the natural filtration abilities of the plants and soils.  Wetlands also maintain moisture for much of the growing season, providing water to nearby plant communities as well as serving to recharge underlying groundwater supplies.  These unique ecosystem features also provide shelter, food and breeding habitats for many wetland species as well as species from other natural communities.

Nearly half of the wetlands found within the Davis Creek Watershed are forested.  These wet areas are more difficult to recognize, more often resembling forest communities.  Another 35% of the wetlands are emergent wetlands, characterized by saturated soils and water-tolerant plant species.  The remaining wetlands consist of shrub-scrub wetlands,  aquatic plant beds, and isolated wetlands.