During American Wetlands Month this May, the Baker Wetlands is surrounded by both praise and concern. According to the Association of State Floodplain Managers, wetlands in America have the unique position of providing numerous ecological, economic and social benefits. However, wetlands have seen a decrease in area as they cover less than six percent of the southern 48 states as of 2019, which is half the domain they once covered.

Biology teacher Sara Abeita said that the wetlands supply services not only to animals, but also to humans. Abeita said that she enjoys visiting the Baker Wetlands to go birdwatching, but the wetlands have other benefits.

“Things like water filtration, reducing flood damage, and holding on to carbon dioxide are all benefits that humans get from wetlands just existing,” Abeita said.

Freshman Sam Bauch said that having and recognizing American Wetlands Month further emphasizes its impacts. He said that while the wetlands provide physical advantages to humans, they also maintain social connections.

“The Baker Wetlands has always been a place around Lawrence that helps the community connect through shared interests, or for young kids to learn more about the Kansas ecosystems,” Bauch said.

Although May is dedicated to recognizing the benefits of American wetlands, sophomore Rory Kuhlmann said that laws put in place cause devastation to the area, contrary to the month’s intent. Kuhlmann said that bringing awareness to the month is now even more important.

According to the University Daily Kansan, the Lawrence planning commission has approved a request to allow construction near the Baker Wetlands. The prepared development plan includes construction for a sports complex, entertainment district, apartments, restaurants and a hotel. Abeita said that the area should be protected, not built upon.

“All of this building and disruption can impact the essential parts of the wetland ecosystem by increasing pollutants, changing water flow and habitat destruction for the organisms in the area,” Abeita said.

Additionally, Bauch said the wetlands need to be protected in order to guard the biomes that are necessary to the local ecosystem. Bauch said the wetlands are safest when people are aware of their importance and speak out against destruction.

“The wetlands and other necessary biomes are best protected when we bring attention to the needs of the areas and conservation efforts, like restricting the development around areas,” Bauch said.

However, Abeita said that biology teachers at Free State have done a good job at spreading positive messages around the Baker Wetlands. Abeita said she hopes the teachers’ message will bring more awareness to American Wetlands Month and the Baker Wetlands specifically.

“I’ve been really proud of the work that the ninth-grade biology teacher team has put in to educate students about the importance of healthy native ecosystems,” Abeita said. “I hope that those messages can stick with students as they come across things like American Wetlands Month.”