What distinguishes wetlands from other types of water resources such as rivers, ponds, and lakes? Wetlands are defined as areas that are saturated by surface or groundwater that supports vegetation which thrives in wet conditions. Wetlands may be cattail marshes, beaver ponds, sphagnum bogs, forested swamps, floodplain forests, vernal pools or shrub-covered wetlands, each of which provides a different type of wildlife habitat.
Some wetlands, vernal pools in particular, support rare and endangered plants and animal populations, and recent research has shown that wetlands hold tremendous ecological value in absorbing floodwaters, recharging groundwater supplies, and providing habitat for many species of fish and wildlife. Wetlands harbor many species and provide food and shelter for our animal friends. Beavers, turtles, snakes, moose, deer, muskrats, otters, raccoons, and mink frequent beaver ponds and other wetland habitats for food and shelter. Ducks, song birds, herons, and Canada geese are just a few of the birds that nest, breed, and forage for vegetative treats to feed their young.
Cornish is especially dependent upon the many wetlands that allow rainwater and snowmelt to seep into the earth and replenish the water table upon which all Cornish residents depend for our water supply. The US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service have identified and mapped between 306 and 2,109 acres of wetlands in Cornish, depending on how each agency defines the wetland area. Nationwide wetlands are particularly vulnerable to degradation from development and other negative human impacts.
One of the best places to view wetlands and observe wildlife is on the Cornish Recreation and Education Area (CREA). A viewing platform has been built on the edge of the wetland, and includes a structure that acts as a blind so that observers can watch the wildlife without disturbing their habitat.
For a deep dive into wetlands around New Hampshire take a look at “Fact Sheets for Wetland Systems in New Hampshire”.
Read more about wetlands in the Cornish Natural Resources Inventory and view maps.