Where land and water bodies meet

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.

Visitors at Everglades National Park
Types of Wetlands

Learn more about the various types of wetlands found in the National Park Service.

an alligator with an open mouth
Visit Remarkable Wetlands

Discover these unique, often overlooked habitats with a list of some of our favorite parks with wetland ecosystems.

kayakers rest in a offshoot of a river
Trip Ideas & Things to Do

Explore wetlands and discover the many recreational opportunities they offer.

Beaver Dam
How Wetlands are Formed

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.

Everglades National Park Egret
The Importance of Wetlands

Wetlands are highly productive and biologically diverse.

SEKI employees restoring wetlands
Restoring Wetlands

Learn how wetlands are restored.

Last updated: May 15, 2025

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