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Wetlands

Bogs, swamps, marshes, and fens are four general types of wetlands. Like forests and prairies, wetlands have been heavily impacted by the spread of humans and human activity. In fact, we have already lost 90% of the Illinois wetlands.

Wetlands provide numerous benefits. First, wetlands serve as natural sinks for greenhouse gases. They store carbon and prevent it from entering the atmosphere. According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Climate Action Plan, IDNR managed wetlands provide a source of carbon sequestration of over 6,000 tons of carbon annually (21). This is equivalent to the amount released by coal fired powerplants to provide electricity to 1,059 homes in one year.  In addition, wetlands provide food and habitat for fish and other aquatic species, animals, amphibians, reptiles, and insects. 

They provide flood damage protection by providing temporary storage of water during higher rainfall events.  Wetland vegetation absorbs nutrients and contaminants from water moving through them. They reduce sediment loadings from entering other downstream Illinois waterbodies. 

Wetland habitats and ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts. Impacts such as warmer temperatures, drought and changing precipitation patterns can lead to water loss over time.  

What has IDNR Been Doing?

IDNR’s Illinois Wildlife Action Plan (IWAP) Wetland Campaign seeks to restore and maintain Illinois’ wetlands. The campaign’s goals are to:

  • Restore and expand wetlands.
  • Support the wildlife that depends on these wetlands.
  • Restore ecosystem processes that are not only important to the wetlands, but also to the communities around them.

Learn More

Wetlands Overview
Click this link to learn more about state and federal efforts to protect wetlands in Illinois and the many challenges faced when regulating Illinois’ wetlands.

IWAP Wetlands Campaign
Learn about IDNR’s efforts to protect and restore Illinois wetlands.  

Wetland Communities of Illinois
This educational resource explains the different kinds of wetlands we have in Illinois such as bogs, ponds, fens, open lakes and more.