Feb. 2 is World Wetlands Day, when we celebrate the special role that these unique and biodiverse ecosystems play in our world. At SRF, we recognize the importance of wetlands and are committed to protecting, preserving, and integrating them into our projects.
This year, we’d like to focus on one aspect of wetlands in particular: Their vital role in safeguarding communities against the impacts of a changing climate.
What Are Wetlands?
Wetlands are unique ecosystems where water meets land. They include marshes, swamps, bogs, and other areas that are frequently saturated by water and that support a variety of plants and animals that are adapted to thrive in these conditions.
Wetlands are often referred to as “Earth’s kidneys” because they filter pollutants from water, but their value goes far beyond water quality. They provide critical habitat for wildlife, support biodiversity, and serve as natural buffers against flooding and erosion.
Why Are Wetlands Important?
Wetlands are ecological powerhouses that offer a range of essential services:
- Flood Protection: Wetlands act like sponges, absorbing and storing excess rainwater and storm surges, which reduces the risk of flooding in nearby areas.
- Water Filtration: By trapping sediments and pollutants, wetlands improve water quality, benefiting both people and ecosystems.
- Biodiversity Hotspots: Wetlands provide habitat for countless species of plants, animals, and insects.
- Carbon Sequestration: Wetlands store large amounts of carbon in their soils and vegetation, helping to mitigate climate change.
Wetlands and Climate Resilience
As the impacts of climate change become more severe, wetlands play an increasingly important role in helping communities adapt. They reduce the intensity of flooding caused by heavy rainfall, act as a buffer against coastal storm surges, and help regulate local temperatures by retaining moisture in the environment. Their ability to sequester carbon also makes them a critical ally in reducing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. For example, peatlands (i.e., bogs and fens) cover only 3 percent of the Earth’s land surface but store 30 percent of all land-based carbon.
Engineering to Support Ecosystems

While building new infrastructure is essential for growing communities, it’s crucial to balance progress with sustainability and resilience. At SRF, we approach every project with a commitment to preserving and enhancing natural systems, including wetlands.
SRF’s EcoTeam approaches project planning and design from an ecological perspective, bringing together staff with expertise in fields like landscape architecture, water resources, and transportation and environmental planning. EcoTeam members leverage their diverse knowledge and expertise to provide a comprehensive approach to ecosystem restoration, protection efforts, resiliency planning, and design.
Here are some of the ways civil engineering can support wetland conservation:
- Minimizing Impacts: By carefully planning project locations and employing innovative design techniques, we can avoid disrupting existing wetlands.
- Restoration Projects: Partnering with environmental organizations and agencies, we can help restore degraded wetlands to their full ecological function.
- Creating New Wetlands: When development does impact wetlands, we work to offset those effects by creating or enhancing wetlands in other areas.
- Stormwater Management: We design green infrastructure features, such as bioswales and retention basins, that mimic natural hydrology to manage stormwater sustainably.
Even in urban settings, it’s possible to design infrastructure that replicates the benefits of wetlands. Engineered wetlands, for instance, are systems that mimic the functions of natural wetlands by filtering water, reducing flooding, and providing habitat. These solutions not only provide environmental benefits but also create beautiful, functional spaces that enhance communities.
Partnering for a Resilient Future
The challenges of climate change require innovative and collaborative solutions. By working together with municipalities, conservation organizations, and community stakeholders, we can ensure that wetland preservation and restoration remain a priority. At SRF, we’re proud to contribute our expertise in designing infrastructure and open space projects that harmonize with nature, helping to create resilient communities for generations to come.
As we celebrate World Wetlands Day, let’s take a moment to appreciate these vital ecosystems and reaffirm our commitment to protecting and preserving them. Together, we can build a future where nature and infrastructure work hand in hand to support a sustainable and resilient world.