Resources & Additional Information

Wetlands

Wetlands are an important feature in the protection of water resources in Massachusetts. They can help clean drinking water supplies, prevent flooding and storm damage during storm events, and support a huge variety of wildlife and plant species.

Wildlife

Massachusetts is home to a wide variety of wildlife, living in many different habitats, and interconnected with the plants and other species in their ecosystems. Wildlife have countless benefits for the ecosystem and for our health and well-being, including pollinating our food, controlling pests, and being a source of beauty and inspiration.

Native Plants

Native plants are those that have been growing locally, generally referring to Massachusetts or New England, some prior to European colonization. Native plants serve as food, shelter, and places to raise young for a wide variety of wildlife and other organisms. Ecosystems with native plants are more biologically diverse, and are generally more resilient to stressors such as drought, which is critical for adapting to climate change. Native plants improve water and air quality, slow runoff and prevent erosion control, decrease flooding, help cycle nutrients, and provide wildlife habitats. Native plants help maintain the health of sensitive ecosystems, such as wetlands, streams, and water bodies.

Invasive Species

Invasive species are non-native species that cause or are likely to cause harm to environmental, economic, and human health. They are typically plants, insects, or pathogens, with the majority being plants. Invasive species are introduced from other areas, and are successful due to features such as aggressive growth, and a lack of predators, diseases, and other population controls present in their native habitats. Climate Change is also exacerbating the spread of many invasive species. Overtime invasives can out-compete native species, decrease biodiversity, alter habitats and communities, change hydrology, spread pathogens, and cause other significant negative impacts.

Climate Change

Climate change is expected to impact wetlands due to changes in temperature and the timing and amount of precipitation. Effects of Climate Change on wetlands may include, loss of carbon stored in soil, changes in soil structure, more frequent drying or flooding, changes in plant or animal communities, saltwater intrusion to freshwater coastal wetlands, and changes in timing and amount of water available to wetlands fed by snow melt.