Myakka wetlands showcase a filtration system at work

By removing impurities, filtration by wetlands improves downstream water quality.

After a short closure due to flooding associated with Hurricane Debby, Myakka River State Park reopened to the public.

As is typical during the rainy season, Myakka's many wetlands continue to act as holding areas for large quantities of surface water. With countless wading birds and American alligators greatly enjoying their expanded wetland habitats, it's an especially magical time to visit the park.

In addition to containing water and supporting biodiversity, wetlands provide another important function. By slowing down the flow of floodwaters, they filter out impurities.

Especially during heavy rain events, many pollutants, such as soil particles, fertilizers and pesticides, are washed from developed areas and carried overland in watersheds to water bodies. Importantly, floodwaters contained by wetlands get filtered as nutrients are stored and absorbed by plants or microorganisms, while sediment has time to settle. Wetlands are therefore often referred to as "nature's kidneys".