As well as walking, cycling, rowing at Salt Water Creek and Ōtipua Wetlands, have you had a go a catching little critters from the water?
- Take a stick to poke the ground before you step to check the depth.
- Take a clear or white container and scoop up some water.
- Sit it down for the water to settle and see what you can spot.
- Look for things like worms, algae, water beetles, skins from mayflies and even water boatmen!
When we got home we created an underwater scene of the creatures we found and talked about the importance of the Wetland, how a huge effort has gone into restoring the plants and wildlife so the wetlands can act like a giant sponge and help manage flooding, stabilise shorlines and river banks and improve water quality.
Wetlands are important because they:
- improve water quality,
- provide wildlife habitat,
- maintain ecosystem productivity,
- reduce coastal storm damage,
- provide recreational opportunities,
- improve the water supply,
- provide opportunities for education.
