Wetland ecology and management is a primary focus of our work at Nemours. Managed tidal impoundments – historic rice fields, some dating back to the 1700’s – are significant both culturally and ecologically, and these unique wetlands define both Nemours and the Lowcountry. We take great pride in being stewards of these irreplaceable resources, and leading research exploring their conservation and management.
- Cleaning our water: Wetlands remove water pollutants nearly 1,000 times more efficiently than uplands, cleaning drinking water for millions of people.
- Sheltering us from storms: Wetlands act as natural sponges, with a single acre of wetland capable of storing up to 15 million gallons of floodwater, reducing damage from storm surge and floods.
- Supporting our biodiversity: Wetlands, acre for acre, support a wider variety of plant and animal species than any other terrestrial habitat. In the U.S., one in three endangered or threatened species relies on wetlands for their survival.
- Sustaining our economies: Wetlands contribute billions of dollars to the U.S. economy by providing nurseries and habitats for over 70% of commercially important fish species.
Our Holistic Approach
We take a holistic approach to wetland management at Nemours. We strive to promote natural ecosystem cycles and biodiversity in plant and animal life. This produces a dynamic food web supporting a vast array of species ranging from invertebrates and fishes, to reptiles and amphibians, to waterfowl and shorebirds, to alligators and bald eagles.
“Wetlands are among the most productive and diverse ecosystems on Earth, offering a multitude of benefits to humans and the environment.”
Dr. Thomas Gosselink
Wetland Ecologist
Find out about our other stewardship programs below!