Wetlands, where the land meets water, are some of the most important ecosystems in our parks. In the not too distant past, wetlands were regarded as wastelands. But today we know that they provide critical habitat and essential ecosystem services necessary for life to thrive.
From salt and freshwater marshes to swamps and bogs, discover these unique habitats, their benefits, and the work we do to protect them.
Learn more about wetlands—why they are important, the threats they face, the types you can find in parks, and more.
Discover these unique, often overlooked habitats with a list of some of our favorite parks with wetland ecosystems.
Explore wetlands and discover the many recreational opportunities they offer.
Although some of our wetlands have been created in as short a span as a human lifetime, many others took thousands of years to develop.
Wetlands are highly productive and biologically diverse.
See the work that the National Park Service is doing to restore wetlands in parks.
Last updated: June 10, 2025
