Lake Macquarie and the Lower Hunter Valley have extensive areas of wetlands.

In fact, there are over 55 different wetlands in Lake Macquarie alone, some large and some quite small.

A wetland is land periodically or permanently inundated with water, with aquatic plants such as rushes and weeds growing above the water. The two main types are freshwater and saltwater wetlands.

Wetlands act as a filter preventing pollution from entering creeks and lakes and are protected from development.

Most local wetlands have also been recognised as endangered ecological communities because of continuing threats and disturbance to the plants and animals that live there.

The health of wetlands depends on the streams and water catchments that flow into them.

Large numbers of water birds rely on wetlands for feeding and breeding, and they are important for maintaining fish populations.

Many bird species migrate large distances to local wetlands, and some of these are of international significance and threatened with extinction.

There are thousands of kilometres of waterways in Lake Macquarie.

These creeks and streams keep other ecosystems, such as the lake and ocean, healthy.

Waterways and wetlands are high in nutrients and often include important food sources for native animals.

For example, the Swamp Mahogany’s leaves are favoured by koalas and its blooms provide nectar in winter when few other trees are flowering.

Species such as the Australian Emerald Dragonfly and Peron’s Tree Frog live in these areas for part of their life and have been selected as flagship species for these ecosystems in Lake Macquarie.

Invasive weed species such as Alligator Weed, Salvinia, and Spiny Rush are a threat to natural values, and need regular control.

The Hunter Wetlands National Park protects some wetlands in the Hunter River estuary but many are outside reserves.

The Lake Macquarie Coastal Wetlands Park proposed between Redhead and Swansea would reserve important values.

When you next wash your car, or dispose of your rubbish or garden waste, think about where water flows.

By taking a little care we can all help keep the region’s wetlands and waterways healthy.

>> Next week The Star will look at more local biodiversity, focussing on lake, coast and ocean ecosystems.