GUIDE
Wetland & Marsh Explorer Guide
Learn together · approximately ages 4–8
Use this guide to notice water-loving plants, wildlife and the many ways wetlands support a healthy landscape.
Six facts to share
Wetlands are water-shaped
A wetland is an area where water covers the soil or stays near the surface for part or all of the year.
Marshes have soft stems
Marshes are wetlands dominated by soft-stemmed plants such as grasses, reeds and sedges rather than trees.
Water may be fresh or salty
Wetlands include freshwater and saltwater habitats, and they may occur inland or near a coast.
Wetlands hold water
Some wetlands can store floodwater and release it more slowly, helping reduce flooding in nearby places.
They support food webs
Wetland plants, insects, fish, birds and other animals form connected food webs and use the habitat for shelter or breeding.
Wetland soil is special
Soil that stays waterlogged has less oxygen than dry soil, so wetland plants need adaptations that help them survive.
Explorer word bank
- Wetland
- Land where water covers the soil or stays close to its surface.
- Marsh
- A wetland with many soft-stemmed plants.
- Saturated
- So full of water that little or no more can soak in.
- Habitat
- A place where a living thing finds food, water and shelter.
- Food web
- Connected feeding relationships in an ecosystem.
Build a marsh observation chart
Visit a public boardwalk or observe a safe wet area from firm ground. Bring paper, a pencil and binoculars if you have them.
- Make four boxes labelled water, plants, animals and sounds.
- Look without touching and add one observation to each box.
- Choose one animal and draw what it might need from the wetland.
- Finish by listing two ways explorers can protect the place.
Ask your explorer
- Which plants seem best suited to wet soil?
- Where might a small animal hide in a marsh?
- How could a wetland help during heavy rain?
- Can you find Rainbow Marsh on Dr. Rexington’s map?
Grown-up safety note
Stay on marked paths or boardwalks with a grown-up. Wetland mud and water can be deep, unstable or home to wildlife. Do not pick plants or feed animals.