Our landscapes are constantly evolving. One of the most striking transformations we’re witnessing is the expansion of wetlands. As these watery habitats grow, trees are often affected—and sometimes displaced. But what does this mean for the ecosystem, and is it a cause for concern? In the not too distant past, wetlands were regarded as wastelands. It was common practice to drain or fill them, thinking that the land was being made more productive. By 1990 more than half of the

Certain trees have a special love affair with wetlands. Their adaptations make them especially suited for life living with “wet feet.” Unlike trees growing in dry upland forests, many of these trees can tolerate soils with low levels of oxygen, can manage to survive seasonal flooding, and have broad, shallow root systems that anchor them in soft ground. They are likely to have evolved to thrive despite ambitious beavers gnawing them down. All of these qualities in turn help w

A wetland is an ecosystem where land is covered or saturated by water, either permanently or seasonally, including our streams, lakes, marshes and more. They teem with life, even more than you probably imagine, supporting 40% of all plant and animal species on Earth and acting as breeding grounds, nurseries, and stopover points for migratory birds. What do trees have to do with wetlands? Trees are a vital part of healthy wetlands, quietly providing benefits that extend far b