Imagine that you live near a large marsh and you just heard that they are going to build a shopping development over it. write down five reasons you could tell people that the wetland might be important to keep for the area.

1. Wetlands help prevent flooding by holding water like a sponge
2. Many species use wetlands for migration and reproduction
3. Wetlands help filter and purify water
4. Many species of animals and insects live in wetlands
5. Wetlands release vegetative matter into rivers and streams which helps feed fish. 
6. Wetlands keep river levels normal
7. wetlands are vital to the health of all other biomes and to wildlife and humans everywhere. 
8. Wetlands provide habitat for endangered species.
9. Our wetlands are beautiful areas of open space around the highly urbanized Bay Area that provide residents with many recreational opportunities.  
10. The Bay’s wetlands support our local economy by providing jobs in shipping, tourism, fishing, recreation, and education.