20 Nebraskaland • May 2023
hat makes a wetland a wetland? In Nebraska, a
wetland is defi ned by three characteristics. One, a
wetland must have a prevalence of water-loving plants
adapted to grow in wet conditions. Two, the soil must
be developed in these wet conditions. Three, a wetland must
be saturated by water at some time during the growing season.
In Nebraska, there are fi ve types of wetlands that fi t these
characteristics: urban, playa, riverine, saline and sandhills,
yet each of these do more than fi t a scientifi c description.
They provide life, not only for the myriad species that call
these unique landscapes home, but also for the people whose
work and personal lives are so intertwined with their day-to-
day functions.
Because life follows water.
W
Life Follows Water
When I started this project, the mention of urban wetlands
did not conjure thoughts of a pristine wetland ecosystem.
Concrete and uniformity were what came to mind. That all
changed when I realized the beauty urban wetlands bring to
a community of people and just how many plant and animal
species share these urban wetland spaces.
Urban wetlands are stepping stones in a garden; birds,
butterfl ies and more use wetlands, and a properly placed
wetland can provide opportunities such as walking, biking,
fi shing, ice skating and, of course, observing wildlife.
Over an approximate 200-year span, Nebraska has lost
around 35% of its wetlands — 2,910,500 acres to 1,905,500
acres today. Much of the loss was contributed by major
transformations of landscapes, from expanding agricultural
productivity to the encroachment of townships and cities.
Yet this rate has lessened as more people are fi nding ways
to protect and restore wetlands. Through education and
on-the-ground collaboration with farmers, ranchers, city
residents and everyone in between, a future for Nebraska's
wetlands looks a little brighter — even near the city lights.
Urban Wetlands
By Dakota Altman
Researchers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln prepare to install a fl oating treatment wetland at the Cooper YMCA
Retention Pond in Lincoln. Floating treatment wetlands fi lter chemical pollutants from fi elds, lawns and roadways. DAKOTA ALTMAN
