In this section
Wetlands are areas saturated with water long enough to support aquatic wildlife and plants that are adapted to wet environments.
They support our wellbeing - Rural and urban wetlands give us places to exercise, reflect, relax and connect with nature which all have proven health benefits. They support biodiversity - In Alberta, wetlands and riparian habitats are home to 80% of our wildlife. Filter water - Wetlands remove sediment, excess nutrients and pollutants from our water. Moderate climate change - Plants and soil in wetlands capture and store carbon from the atmosphere and replace it with oxygen. Recharge groundwater – Some water from the wetlands soaks into the ground and helps recharge our aquifers. Reduce the effects of drought – Wetlands hold water during snowmelt and rain events then slowly release moisture to parched land during drier weather. Control Flooding – During periods of high rainfall, wetlands store excess water and slowly release it downstream. Support the Economy - Wetlands provide opportunities for tourism, bird watching, nature photography, hunting, fishing and other activities.
Wetlands are a natural filter.
Did you know our drinking water comes from the North Saskatchewan River? Wetlands act as a filter for snowmelt and rain water before it enters our local creeks and the river.
Wetlands are a productive natural landscape. Â
Did you know wetlands are the most productive natural feature on our landscape?
Conserving Strathcona County's wetlands (3.3 MB)  works to ensure that no net loss of wetlands occurs in the urban and rural areas of Strathcona County. All development initiated by either a landowner or a third party -including Strathcona County- is subject to this policy.
The Alberta Riparian Habitat Management Society is a non-profit society that fosters the value of improvements in livestock grazing techniques and other management of riparian areas (areas where land and a river meet). Wetlands Alberta Public Lands Act Federal Policy on Wetland on Conservation Provincial Wetland Restoration/Compensation Guide ​Water Act​
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Urban wetlands and stormwater management facilities do not produce large amounts of mosquitoes, as some may perceive. These water bodies contain large numbers of predators that eat mosquitos; such as dragon flies, birds, frogs and fish. Mosquitoes require stagnant, warm, shallow water and do not live in open water where wind produces waves.
Both urban and rural wetlands drain into a system of natural and manmade creeks, prior to entering into the North Saskatchewan River. Water is also lost through the evaporation process.
Decaying plants create an oily appearance on the surface of the water. Note that oily sheens caused by decaying plants have no petroleum odour.
During the spring, cold water from the top of the wetland and warm water from the bottom of the wetland switch places. During the switch, organic material from the bottom of the wetland comes to the top with the warm water. This is a natural recycling function of wetlands and the organic matter usually sinks back down within a couple of weeks.
The wetlands in Sherwood Park are home to ducks, geese, mink, long eared owls, red tail hawks, merlins, porcupine, snowshoe hares, foxes, coyotes, song birds, pelicans and more.
Agriculture and Environment Phone: 780-464-8080 Email: agricultureandenvironment@strathcona.ca
Last updated: Tuesday, September 02, 2025 Page ID: 39689