Don't Drain That Swamp! Accidental Wetlands Are Good for Cities

What's so bad about wetlands? These mucky, sometimes mosquito-ridden landscapes have a bad reputation, but they offer benefits to their neighborhoods too. Researchers say "accidental" wetlands—pockets of cities that have turned into swamps through flooding and neglect—might be a valuable resource to both the environment and the humans around them. It's hard to guess exactly how many accidental wetlands there are, say Monica Palta of Arizona State University and her colleagues. But it's easy to create one: Start with a low-lying area of land. Maybe it used to be a stream or river or swamp, and was filled in to create solid ground during a city's development. Then leave this area alone for a while. Let stormwater run into it—either accidentally, or on purpose because you've routed the stormwater away from seemingly more important parts of the city. Wait. Over time, the land will flood, and marsh plants and animals ...