World Wetland Day!

Cattails are an iconic part of many wetlands, and like anything, they are good in moderation. Cattails provide great habitat for many species, like red-wing blackbirds, Chorus frogs and Yellow-headed blackbirds. However, in certain ponds, cattails have taken over to the point that they are causing problems. They are prolific spreaders, reproducing via seeds and self-cloning. Because of this they can limit the diversity in the area and the amount of open water.

The reason that many ponds have been taken over by cattails is through human disturbance. Adding extra nutrients to the water via fertilizers and other pollutants leaching into the water will quicken the growth and spread of the cattails. Ponds that are also too shallow and have been cut off of flooding will also cause the cattails to take over.

Mitigating these problems can help wetlands stay healthy and in balance which will benefit both wildlife and people. Wetlands are a vital ecosystem, especially in the dry Okanagan and Similkameen valleys. Let's strive to take care of our wetlands and in doing so keeping the cattails in control.