CT Wetland Ecology Weekly Descriptions
Week 1: What is a wetland?
What are the attributes that characterize a wetland, and what are the different types of wetlands that can be found in Connecticut?
In this lesson you will learn:
- Scientific and legal definitions of wetlands (What makes a wetland, a wetland?)
- Classification schemes for describing wetlands
- Where to find different types of wetlands in Connecticut
Week 2: Wetland Animals
Wetlands provide habitat for a diverse number of birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, and amphibians, and many of these species exhibit unique and unusual adaptations for taking advantage of aquatic habitats.
In this lesson you will learn:
- About the characteristic vertebrate species inhabiting different wetland types
- Protected wetland wildlife species in Connecticut and their conservation needs
- Morphological and behavioral adaptations
Week 3: Wetland Plants
A rich and interesting flora has evolved to inhabit Connecticut wetlands, including some very unusual forms such as carnivorous plants!
In this lesson you will learn:
- Specific plant species inhabiting different wetland types
- Protected wetland plant species in Connecticut and their conservation needs
- Complex adaptations for life in wetlands
- How different species of plants indicate certain ecological characteristics of wetlands
Week 4: Wetland Invertebrates
A surprising diversity of invertebrates rely on wetlands for all or part of their life cycles. Some species, such as mosquitoes, can be pests and even threats to public health, while other species, such as dragonflies and damselflies, can be important predators of nuisance species.
In this lesson you will learn:
- Invertebrate species inhabiting different wetland types and protected Connecticut species
- Morphological and behavioral adaptations
- How different species of invertebrates are biological indicators of water and habitat quality
Week 5: Wetlands and Humans
Long perceived as a barrier to civilization, many wetlands are now protected by law in recognition of the ecological services they provide. The evolution of this change over time provides a fascinating example of how humans comprehend their role in and relationship to nature.
In this lesson you will learn:
- How our culture has been affected by wetlands
- How humans have made use of wetlands throughout history
- Human impact on wetlands and what our current role is today
Week 6: Wetland Restoration
Due to the multitude of benefits provided by wetlands and their legally protected status, the art and science of ecosystem restoration has heavily focused on creating and restoring wetlands. However, some types of wetlands have proven more challenging to restore than others.
In this lesson you will learn:
- Legal underpinnings of ecological restoration
- Methods used to restore wetlands
- Ecological principles incorporated into restoring wetlands
- Criteria used to evaluate the success of wetland restoration projects
