Natural history: Wetlands in the Blaine and Birch Bay area

Wetlands in the Blaine and Birch Bay area occupy about 20 percent of the land surface. These wetlands range from tidal marshes along the estuarine shoreline to forested wetlands in areas where restrictive soil layers keep water from percolating downward.

Some wetlands are located where water collects in depressions on the landscape, while others occur where seeps and springs discharge water near the base of slopes. Wetlands in the vicinity of Blaine and Birch Bay are also common on stream floodplains. If you travel south from Birch Bay on Jackson Road, a beautiful example of one of these riverine wetlands can be seen as you cross the bridge over Terrell Creek.

Our wetlands provide many important functions including habitat for birds, mammals, fish, amphibians and other animals. They intercept and temporarily store excess water from storms, which can reduce downstream flood damage. Wetlands adjacent to water bodies are known to act like a filter that can intercept harmful contaminants and sediment before this material can enter the stream or pond.

I worked for many years in wetland habitats throughout the U.S. I always enjoyed putting on rubber boots and walking through these fascinating habitats to collect data on vegetation, soils and hydrology. I think the most unique wetlands I worked in were the Florida Everglades and the vast wetlands underlain by permafrost in Alaska’s arctic regions. 

Jonathan Hall resides in Birch Bay. He is a retired biologist who has worked in many regions of the U.S. while employed with the State of New York, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, several environmental consulting firms and the Tulalip Tribes of Washington.