Wetlands: Nature’s Flood Managers

Wetlands—from freshwater marshes and peat bogs to coastal mangroves and salt marshes—are incredible ecosystems that act like natural sponges. By holding and slowing floodwaters, they protect homes, farms and cities downstream. In fact, scientists describe wetlands as “transition zones” that function like natural tubs, storing floodwaters and releasing them slowly. This simple “sponge” effect helps reduce peak flooding and the speed of flood waves. As one review notes, “wetlands … soaks up water during wet periods and releases it during dry periods”. In short, intact wetlands can dramatically blunt floods, while drained or degraded wetlands often mean higher flood peaks.

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