World Wetlands Day: Why Wetlands Matter Along the Chattahoochee
Cover image by Sebastian Hagan
Each year on World Wetlands Day (February 2), we pause to celebrate some of the hardest-working ecosystems on the planet. Wetlands may not always get the spotlight like mountaintops or waterfalls, but here at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA), they quietly (and powerfully!) do it all. From filtering our water to protecting wildlife and people alike, wetlands are essential to the health of the river and the communities that surround it.
What Are Wetlands, Exactly?
Wetlands are areas where land and water meet, like marshes, swamps, floodplains, and forested wetlands that are periodically or permanently saturated with water. Along the Chattahoochee, wetlands act like nature’s kidneys, filtering pollutants and sediment before water flows downstream. They also absorb excess water during heavy rains, helping reduce flooding and erosion while keeping the river system more resilient in the face of changing weather patterns.
And then there’s wildlife! Wetlands provide critical habitat for birds, amphibians, fish, insects, and mammals, many of which depend on these areas for breeding, feeding, and shelter. If you’ve ever spotted a heron stalking the shoreline or heard frogs calling near dusk, you’ve experienced wetland magic firsthand!
Wetlands in the Park
One of the best things about wetlands at CRNRA? You don’t have to be a scientist to enjoy them!
- Bull Sluice Lake near the Gold Branch Unit features wetland areas that support diverse plant and animal life while contributing to the health of the river. Wetlands can be viewed via a boardwalk accessed from the City of Roswell’s Roswell Riverwalk, offering an up-close look at these ecosystems without disturbing them.
- At the Cochran Shoals Unit in Marietta, a boardwalk near the Interstate North trailhead allows visitors to walk through wetland areas and see firsthand how water, plants, and wildlife coexist in a delicate balance.
Why Wetlands Matter
At Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC), our mission is to build community, enrich lives, and catalyze support to ensure a sustainable national park for future generations. Protecting wetlands touches every part of that mission!
Wetlands help keep the Chattahoochee River cleaner and healthier for the millions of people who rely on it for drinking water, recreation, and refuge. They enrich lives by creating spaces for education, reflection, and outdoor exploration. And when we invest in their protection through stewardship, advocacy, and community support, we’re ensuring that future generations can experience the same sense of wonder and connection we feel today.
This World Wetlands Day, we invite you to explore a boardwalk, notice the plants and wildlife around you, and remember that even the quietest landscapes play a powerful role in sustaining our park. When we protect wetlands, we protect the river and each other!
Support Your Local National Park
If you enjoy CRNRA, consider supporting the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC). Your donation helps maintain and improve our beautiful trails and river, ensuring they remain a top destination and escape for metro Atlanta. Every contribution makes a difference in preserving this natural treasure for future generations.
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