Watersheds, Wetlands and Ecosystems
You can help protect and conserve the water in your watershed and downstream by understanding what a watershed is; learning the name of the watershed you live in; and knowing how and where the water from your home and property runs off to such as which streams, rivers, lakes and even oceans does it end up running into.
What is a Watershed?
Explore watersheds, water quality and pollution.
Project Wild interactive site designed to explore watersheds.
CSERC - This interactive "game" helps you learn more about what a watershed is, how the water cycle works and more.
What is a Wetland?
A wetland is an area that has standing water, or poorly-draining, water-logged soils for all or part of the year. Wetlands are characterized by certain types of soils and are inhabited by plants and animals that have adapted to life with changing water conditions. Examples of wetlands include marshes, ponds, emergent grasslands, and bogs.
Wetlands are found all over the world. Wetlands are an important and productive ecosystem with a rich variety of plants and animals.
Hop Over to Lily's Pad to Learn More...
Sing-A-Long &. Lyrics In the Watershed by Rich Glauber
In the Watershed by Rich Glauber (3:04)
Press the arrow to listen and sing along with the talented local musician, Rich Glauber.
Delta Ponds Virtual Field Trips
Hop Over to Lily's Pad to Learn Even More...
Interactive map of species from around the world. Check out Oregon's species!
What is an ecosystem?
Modeling Activity: Think like a scientist!
Many animals live in water or must be near water to survive. For example, fish must live in water to survive, because they can get oxygen from the water. Beavers live in the water for part of the time, but must breathe air outside of the water to survive. Water lilies must have their roots in the mud at the bottom of the pond, but also need sunlight to survive. Some plants, like algae, live in the water all of the time.
Draw a model of plants and animals that live in or near a waterway in our area. Include how each one uses water and what other needs it has to survive.
Example: Willow tree
Drinks water through roots, lives near creeks
Sunlight, habitat space, wind for pollination
Writing Activity: Wetland Metaphors
Watch the video You're Toast to learn about metaphors. Spend some time thinking about what you have learned about wetlands, watersheds and ecosystems. Try writing some metaphors to describe the functions of these systems. Explain your thinking.
Includes:
What is an ecosystem?
What is a wetland?
Where are wetlands in Eugene located?
Includes:
Identify Eugene's Watersheds
The Importance of Eugene's Wetlands
The History of Eugene's Wetlands
The Kalapuyas: Living on Fertile Prairie