Winter Wetlands

By Christiana Tambone, JRA Lower James River Outreach Coordinator

Wetlands are considered some of the most productive ecosystems on the planet, and no exception is made for those located along the Lower James River and its tributaries. These wetlands are celebrated for removing toxins from the environment, providing habitat for some rare plants and animals, and protecting our communities from flood waters during storm events. These are just a few of the reasons why these fragile areas need to be protected.

But you might ask, what happens when these areas are completely frozen over (like this cold winter)? Do wetlands lose their value until the spring? What can we expect in the spring after such a cold winter? No worries! JRA here to the rescue to give you a quick Wetlands 101.

Yes, this coastal Virginia winter has been unusually (and at some points unbearably) cold and yes, our wetlands have taken the brunt of the freeze. They have remained frozen for a few weeks now, but this has not slowed down their valuable processes in the ecosystem. As a matter of fact, these wetlands have become more efficient with one of the processes they provide: groundwater and surface water recharge.

When the velocity of water flowing to the river is slowed due to freezing temperatures and rising ice levels, the water level in the river will actually rise. Because this happens at a slow pace, it allows for our rivers, their tributaries, and our groundwater to “fill back up” and replenish our drinking and household water supplies.

So what should we expect in spring when all these wetlands begin to melt? Needless to say, there will be a lot of melting going on. Faster flowing waters will carry nutrients to the wetlands and they will then begin their valuable water filtering processes again. Warmer temperatures inspire microorganisms and their macroscopic friends, like amphibians and birds, to come out of hibernation and assist in the breakdown of materials, the irrigation of waterlogged soils, and the fertilization of a fragile ecosystem.

In the end, there are many, many of us on the James River who are looking forward to springtime.