Wonderful Wetlands of West Michigan

By Lexie Kasper, ODC Network

Celebrated annually on February 2nd, World Wetlands Day raises global awareness of the vital role wetlands play for people, nature, and local culture. Holland residents may not be aware of the many wetlands we have and the incredibly important role they play in our local ecology, and World Wetlands Day is the perfect time to put the spotlight on these ecosystems.

Wetlands play a critical role in the water cycle by providing flood control, aiding groundwater recharge, and contributing to erosion control. Think of a wetland like a sponge—during heavy rain events, they swell, collecting excess runoff. Wetlands store this water much like a natural reservoir. Wetland water storage is crucial for drought prevention, as the reservoir slowly releases water into the environment, sustaining the ecosystem for longer. Additionally, while the water is stored, plants filter stormwater runoff by absorbing excess nutrients that would otherwise flow into our creeks and rivers. When wetlands are lost, we also lose a natural buffer to flood, drought, and water pollution.

Wetlands also provide an ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife. They supply a biodiverse, nutrient-rich, protected home for aquatic and semiaquatic animals. This biodiversity attracts migratory birds that depend on wetlands for food and shelter. 

Historically, wetlands in the Macatawa Watershed (the watershed surrounding the City of Holland) were largely swamps, with smaller areas of emergent wetlands and marshes near Lake Macatawa and its major bays. Today, many of the remaining wetlands are close to the river corridors, along with the extensive marsh at the east end of the lake. Approximately 82% of the original wetlands that existed in the Macatawa Watershed prior to settlement have been drained. The loss of wetlands, along with human straightening of water channels, allows rainfall and snowmelt to move more quickly through the watershed system, increasing the risk of flash flooding and streambank erosion.  

Through the efforts of many local entities, there has been a concerted effort to replace some of these lost wetlands. Local partners like Ottawa County Parks and Recreation and the ODC Network have secured large tracts of low-lying land for preservation and restoring wetlands. Projects include the Upper Macatawa Natural Area , Paw Paw Park East, Middle Macatawa, and the Macatawa Mitigation Bank. Additional restoration projects have been constructed on properties owned by the City of Holland, Windmill Island Gardens, Zeeland Public Schools, the Holland Board of Public Works, Gentex Corporation, the Outdoor Discovery Center, and private landowners. 

Visiting these wetlands during any season will provide rewarding recreational opportunities. Birding, hiking, looking for animal tracks, observing plant life, and listening for seasonal sounds are activities almost anyone can enjoy. Depending on the wetland area, you may also be able to camp, kayak, hunt, fish, and more!

Through habitat restoration projects and nature-based solutions, wetlands in the Macatawa Watershed are being restored and protected. Constructed wetlands in urban areas help reduce flooding, filter stormwater pollution, and create pockets of habitat for urban wildlife, making cities more resilient and livable. Holland residents are lucky to live in an area with such wonderful natural areas!

Lexie Kasper is the Conservation Outreach Coordinator for ODC Network.