Beyond Water Quality: Finding a Sense of Wonder in Conservation Wetlands
May 20, 2026
Over my past seven years in Iowa, I’ve had the opportunity to visit just about every type of wetland the state has to offer. Most visits were to wetlands constructed to reduce nitrate from tile drainage water, given their relevance to my work. While these conservation wetlands were created with the primary purpose of improving water quality, they provide many additional benefits to humans and the environment. I’ve spoken about these additional benefits – floodwater retention, wildlife habitat, food, fiber, and recreational opportunities – in various contexts, but I rarely talk about the beneficial emotions a wetland can invoke.
