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WELCOME
To The Hidden Worlds
Of An
INLAND NORTHWEST WETLAND
As you walk the Pend Oreille River Passage, you’re following a trail that winds through one of the most important ecosystems in our region. The interpretive sign you discovered is just the beginning—a doorway into the quiet, vital world of wetlands.
These lush, water-rich landscapes are nature’s hidden powerhouses, supporting wildlife, purifying water, reducing floods, and sustaining life in countless ways. But their significance often goes unnoticed, even by those who walk right past them.
Here, you’ll uncover more about the wetlands that surround you—how they shape our environment, why they’re vital to our communities, and what makes them worth protecting.
Let’s take the next step together to explore the wonders of wetlands.
Meet Some of Your Wetland Neighbors
Wetlands are teeming with fascinating wildlife, and many native species call these vibrant ecosystems home. From amphibians and birds to small mammals and insects, wetlands provide essential habitats for a wide variety of creatures. Here’s a glimpse at a few of the native neighbors you might spot while exploring a wetland!
The Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus) is a small, insect-eating bat found near wetlands in the Inland Northwest. These nocturnal mammals rely on wetlands for food like mosquitoes and moths, consuming up to 1,000 insects per hour, which helps control pest populations and supports the entire ecosystem.
We go a little 'batty' over these cool facts!
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Echolocation: They use echolocation to hunt in the dark, emitting high-pitched sounds that help them find insects with accuracy.
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Long Lifespan: These bats can live up to 30 years, making them one of the longest-living bat species.
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Large Colonies: They roost in large groups, sometimes in the thousands, to stay warm and maintain social structure.
Bats
(the kind that fly)
Long-Toed Salamander
The Long-Toed Salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum) is an amphibian native to the Inland Northwest, found in wetlands where they breed and lay eggs in shallow waters. While they spend most of their lives in forests, they return to wetlands for breeding. The larvae feed on small aquatic organisms before maturing into adults.
Here are three cool facts about them:
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Distinctive Toes: They have long toes that help them navigate muddy habitats and burrow in soft soil.
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Toxic Skin: They produce toxins in their skin to protect against predators.
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Breeding Rituals: Males perform courtship displays, wiggling their tails to attract females during breeding season.
Can You Guess Which Wetland Is Pictured in the Boxes Below?
Click On Each Box To Check If You Got It Right!
MARSH
Open, grassy wetlands dominated by cattails and sedges, with shallow water that's great for birds and amphibians.
BOG
Peat-filled wetlands with spongy ground, acidic water, and unique plants like mosses and wild cranberries.
SWAMP
Forested wetlands with saturated soils and standing water, dominated by trees such as western red cedar and cottonwoods.
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FEN
Are wetlands that get their water from undergrounds sources. They are more mineral-rich and less acidic than bogs and support a variety of plants like grasses, sedges and moss
Types of Wetlands and Their Unique Residents
Inland Northwest wetlands encompass a variety of types, each supporting unique ecosystems and species. Marshes, characterized by their open water and tall grasses, are teeming with life. Native species such as the red-winged blackbird and the western painted turtle thrive in these environments, while cattails and sedges provide critical habitat and food sources. Amphibians like Pacific tree frogs are commonly found in marshes, where their breeding calls echo through the landscape during the spring. The shallow waters and lush vegetation make these wetlands vital feeding and nesting grounds for migratory birds such as mallards and great blue herons.
Swamps, dominated by woody vegetation, offer shelter and sustenance to species like beavers and river otters, which build their dens and dams in the slow-moving waters. Trees such as western red cedar and black cottonwood create shady canopies that attract songbirds like the varied thrush. Bogs and fens, often less common in the region, are home to specialized plants like sundews and sphagnum moss, as well as unique insects like dragonflies and damselflies. The acidic conditions of bogs support amphibians like long-toed salamanders, while the nutrient-rich waters of fens provide habitat for species such as moose, which feed on aquatic plants. Each wetland type plays a vital role in maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance across the Inland Northwest.
The Wetlands and Native Fish Connection:
The Three C’s
The native fish populations in the Inland Northwest, such as salmon, steelhead, and trout, depend on three critical elements for survival: cool water, clean water, and connected habitats. Cool water is essential, as many native species are adapted to colder temperatures. Wetlands and riparian areas help regulate water temperatures, offering refuges during warm months. Clean water is equally important for fish health, as pollutants can disrupt breeding, reduce food sources, and increase disease risks. Wetlands naturally filter out pollutants, keeping the waterways safe for fish to thrive.
Connected habitats are vital for fish migration and life cycles. Species like salmon rely on a network of waterways, including rivers, streams, and wetlands, to complete their life stages. Wetlands act as corridors, linking fragmented habitats and providing critical spawning and rearing areas. Without these connections, fish populations can become isolated, reducing genetic diversity and increasing the risk of extinction. Maintaining the three C’s—cool, clean, and connected habitats—is essential for the long-term survival of native fish in the Inland Northwest.
CONNECTED
CLEAN
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COLD
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CLEAN - COLD - CONNECTED
Fantastic Fungus:
Nature’s Underground Collaborators
Beneath the surface of wetlands, fungi, bacteria, and algae work together in a remarkable symbiotic relationship that is crucial for the health of these ecosystems. This hidden teamwork supports nutrient cycling, plant growth, and overall wetland productivity:
Fungi
Fungi form intricate networks known as mycelium that connect to plant roots, helping them absorb water and essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. In return, plants provide fungi with sugars produced during photosynthesis, supporting their growth. This partnership improves soil structure, helping retain moisture and prevent erosion.
Bacteria
Bacteria play a critical role in breaking down decaying organic material, such as dead plants and animals, turning it into usable nutrients. This decomposition process not only replenishes the soil but also helps maintain the nutrient balance in wetland environments, supporting the growth of plants that provide food and shelter for wildlife.
Algae
Algae, primarily found in wetland waters, contribute oxygen to the ecosystem through photosynthesis, which supports aquatic life. Algae also serve as a primary food source for small organisms like zooplankton, forming the foundation of the food chain for a wide range of species, from insects to fish.
Ways to Support and Protect Wetland Areas
As you've learned, wetlands are vital ecosystems that provide clean water, protect against flooding, and support diverse wildlife. By taking small but meaningful actions, you can help ensure these critical habitats thrive for future generations. Here are four impactful ways to make a difference:
Volunteer
Reach out to your local organizations and find out ways that you can help through volunteering.
Advocate
Advocate for wetland preservation in your community and support local, state, or federal legislation aimed at protecting wetlands.
Minimize Impact
Dispose of chemicals, oils, and waste properly and
use eco-friendly products to reduce runoff pollution.
Support Local Organizations
Donate to or partner with nonprofit organizations focused on wetland conservation, or attend educational events and workshops to stay informed and help spread the word.
Discover the Trail, Support the Mission
Did you know the Priest Community Forest Connection, with the invaluable support of the Kalispel Tribe, is the driving force behind the beautiful Pend Oreille River Passage Trail? This partnership has helped create a stunning pathway that offers breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature while supporting our shared mission of land stewardship. Visit our website to learn more about the trail, our ongoing projects, and how you can get involved in preserving our region’s natural beauty!
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