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When you see a wetland
what do you think of? A beautiful part of nature? A great
place to build a house? No matter what you think of a
wetland, they will always be an important part of our
environment.
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Hawaii's
wetlands are known as the "Wildlife Living Museum." They
are habitats for many native species and endangered birds
such as the stilt, moorhen, coot, and koloa
duck.
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Wetlands slow
the flow of water and the sun warms the water as it
moves. The nutrients in the water increase the
growth of microscopic creatures that serve as food
for birds, fish, and other wildlife.
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Another
reason why wetlands are important is that they serve as
flood control. The wetlands are like a gigantic
sponge.
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It absorbs water
which keeps the surrounding areas from flooding.
Wetlands prevent destruction of property and death
caused by raging storm waters.
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The
abundance of nutrients, aquatic vegetation, and calm,
shallow water makes wetlands one of the most productive
environments.
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In Hawaii, there
are many low-lying areas where fresh and salt water
mix together. The changing of the tides, the flows
of the river, and the mix of fresh and salt water
creates a special environment called estuary. In an
estuary environment, many types of animals live and
breed.
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Wetlands are
nature's filter.
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During times
when there is a lot of rain, large amounts of silt
and other pollutants drift downstream. Runoff like
this usually kills offshore reefs, and pollutes
rivers and streams. But wetlands break down these
pollutants. Wetlands also catch mud and dirt that
flow downstream to coastal areas.
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