English: Azalea Park, Charlottesville VA - "This side of the park, formerly located along a runoff channel that led into Moore's Creek, has been converted into a wetland which supports a surprising amount of insect and amphibian life." -Credit and Photo: Scott Clark (certhia on Flickr).

In the past, wetlands were considered wastelands—sources of mosquitoes, flies, and unpleasant odors. As a result, more than half of America's original wetlands were destroyed. They were drained and converted to farmland, filled for residential and commercial use, and converted to landfills.

Through research, scientists now know that wetlands are valuable natural resources that provide many important benefits to people and wildlife. Wetlands improve water quality, reduce flood and storm damage, provide important habitat for fish and wildlife, and support recreational activities.