What are Wetlands

Wetlands are locations where water covers or saturates the soil for a portion of the growing season. The presence of this water creates a unique environment, which generates distinctive soil characteristics and supports biological communities that are adapted to those conditions. As a result, most definitions for wetlands require some combination of water near the ground surface, ‘hydric’ (containing moisture) soils, and ‘hydrophytic’ (growing in water) plants.

Oklahoma Wetlands

Oklahoma has approximately 950,000 acres of wetlands, which is roughly 2% of the state by area. It is estimated that this represents only about 1/3 of the wetlands that were present in the late 1700s.

Wetlands in Oklahoma often occur in transitional areas adjacent to lakes and rivers, but also in spatially distinct areas such as depressions, playas or other basins that capture precipitation.

Oklahoma is extremely ecologically diverse; our 12 unique ecological regions are only surpassed by the much larger states of Texas and California Therefore, the wetlands encountered in the state are equally diverse. In southeast Oklahoma, where it is wet, bottomland hardwood forests and backwater swamps with alligators are common, while temporarily flooded playa lakes are widespread in the panhandle where average rainfall is low.

For more information about the types of wetlands that occur in Oklahoma:

Importance of Wetlands

Two-hundred and fifty years ago, wetlands were regarded as a problem and were drained or filled across the United States. The reality is that wetlands are solutions to many environmental hazards that we face today, such as water quality pollution, extreme flooding, and groundwater aquifer depletion. Wetlands’ unique hydrology and location on the landscape make them ideal for storing water and improving its quality. Subsequently, they provide important habitats for a diverse assortment of animals and plants. In addition to being ecologically important locations for wildlife, Oklahoma wetlands provide essential services to Oklahomans:

Water Quality Improvement

Wetlands are often called the ‘Kidneys of the Landscape’ because they are so effective at removing pollutants from water.

Flood Reduction

Wetlands absorb energy and store water during storm events. The water from wetlands is slowly released, reducing the risk of flash floods and associated damage.

Water Supply

In addition to cleaning the water that enters drinking water supplies, many wetlands are recharge locations for groundwater aquifers. The Playa Lakes in western Oklahoma are the key recharge areas for the Ogallala aquifer.