Southern Ontario has lost up to 80% of pre-settlement wetlands, a trend echoed around the world. Loss of wetlands directly relates to poor water quality, human health problems, increased flooding and loss of biodiversity.

The main threats to wetlands include:

• Industrial and housing developments
• Drainage for agricultural purposes
• Dredging and filling for the development of harbours, marinas, and cottages
• Water pollution for chemicals or organic enrichment
• Introduction of exotic plants and animals which results in loss of biodiversity
• Peat extraction
• Increased sedimentation from upstream developments
• Interrupted or unreliable water sources
• Isolation from upland or surrounding terrestrial habitats

It is not too late to help prevent wetland loss. Appreciation of local wetlands, as crucial components of community health and wildlife habitat, can be achieved. To learn more about how to prevent wetland loss, visit our Wetland Guardians Registry and read how other citizens just like you have taken action to preserve their local wetlands.