Urban Wetland

East of Lancaster Drive between Shopko/Winco on the west and Houck Middle School on the east, this wetland was created to 'mitigate' the wetlands filled when the school was built. It is entirely fenced off to protect it from human impact. Oregon currently has an aggressive wetland protection program. Why are they important? To name a few reasons, wetlands trap and remove excess nutrients such as fertilizers, chemicals and other pollutants, and suspended sediments from rivers, streams and runoff that feed them. Wetlands help protect against flooding by absorbing water (like a sponge) and releasing it during a dry season. Wetlands do not always appear to be 'wet' as this one. But what a lovely neighbor it makes for the small housing development surrounding it.