Yesterday was Groundhogs Day in the US and Canada, and megastar (among the rodent crowd) groundhog Punxsutawney Phil purportedly did not see his shadow, which is said to be a harbinger of an early spring this year.
While not the most reliable diagnostic tool of the atmospheric sciences (the groundhog has about a 39% accuracy rate), it is nonetheless a quaint tradition from simpler (climatically speaking) times.
A bit lesser known in the US – okay, a LOT lesser known – observance on February 2nd is World Wetlands Day, a day designated to bring awareness to the importance of wetlands in balancing global ecosystems.
The house where I lived as a youth was situated on a sand hill that was basically surrounded by wetlands (back then designated simply as a swamp). The first signs of spring for me were the green shoots of skunk cabbage that emerged from the murky waters of the swamp. These quickly grew into wide, flat, shiny leaves and bright yellow flowers that emitted the musky odor of their namesake. I loved the cheery sight of them, and I actually found the earthy, slightly sweet smell to be somewhat pleasant (in small doses and from a distance).
The sounds of croaking frogs were prevalent on warm evenings, and every once in a while a beaver or nutria would find their way into our lower yard. Mosquitoes abounded. We pretty much stayed out of the swamp and let it do its thing of living and dying, sprouting and rotting, flooding and receding. I thought it was kind of cool to live within the wetland, but I had no appreciation of its importance as an ecosystem.
The last time I visited that area, I found that the swamp had been filled in and houses lined both sides of the low road that used to define where our yard ended and the swamp waters began. It was a sad sight. The adage “You never know what you have until it’s gone” comes to mind.
It’s too late for “my” swamp, but other wetlands can be restored, preserved and protected. Let’s do it!
Infographic taken from WorldWetlandsDay.org
What Rhymes with Stanza? 
Too few people appreciate the role the wetlands play in the stability of the environment we live in and the parts we cherish. Our entire ecosystem is now in a precarious imbalance because we don’t understand the roles of each part in sustaining the whole. Thanks for pointing this out and thank you to anyone who helps in the fight to restore the balance. 🌲🌾💦. 😍
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re welcome. And I add my thanks to those who see the need and take action.
LikeLike
The yellow flowers are beautiful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They truly are, and quite a contrast to the mucky waters that surround them.
LikeLike
Pingback: Did you know? February 2nd is more than Groundhog Day. – Just Another Nature Enthusiast
Maggie, it’s almost as if we collaborated on how we would use this information from World Wetlands Day! It was posted as a part one for the post I placed on my blog today after going out yesterday for the photo shoot. Wouldn’t it be great if we started an ad hoc challenge?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmmm… a challenge? What’d you have in mind?
LikeLike
Wonder if there is something that could lead into Earth Day in April, perhaps?
LikeLiked by 1 person
That has potential. Can you email me your thoughts? maggie.c@zoho.com
LikeLike
Ahh. We have one right here, always welcome. The entire region of Maremma used to be one huge swamp and then Mussolini drained it. Malaria was ripe here and all sorts of maladies. They fixed most of it and planted eucalyptus trees that are obvious great for managing the humidity of soil. We still have a salt lake here and the region is a nature reserve. With indeed plenty of nutrias.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I gotta admit, I don’t find nutria at all endearing. I wish they would have stayed in the swamp.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I see nutria as the symbol of what is to come and am always uneasy when I see one. Ours stay well away from my garden though. When I visit them, I’m a visitor and it’s completely different. Maybe they wish I’d stayed in the city too. :p
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! You’re probably a symbol of what’s to come.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bahahahha! Must be because I’m so young and perky and happening. 😀 But thanks, I’ll put it in my resume. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person