LOUISIANA WETLANDS

Replay Presentations
Glossary
Wetland Types
Wetland Functions

 
Wetland Loss
Maps
Plants & Animals
Human Factors
Wetland Functions / Wetland Function Metaphors
OBJECT
METAPHORIC FUNCTION
Sponge
 Absorbs excess water caused by runoff
Retains moisture for a time even if standing water dries up
Pillow
 Is a resting place for migratory birds
Egg Beater
 Mixes nutrients and oxygen in the water
Cradle
Provides a nursery that shelters, protects and feed young wildlife
Strainer
 Strains silt and debris from the water (keeps the water clean)
Coffee Filter
 Filters smaller impurities from the water (excess nutrients or toxics)
Antacid
 Neutralizes toxic substances
Cereal or Rice
 Provides nutrient-rich foods for wildlife and humans
Soap
 Helps cleanse the environment as a whole

From: "Wetland Metaphors," Project WET, pp. 49-52, 1987, Western Regional Environmental Education Council.