How small-scale wetlands can restore balance right at home
When you think of a healthy ecosystem, your mind might go to forests, prairies, or rivers — but wetlands are one of the most crucial, yet often forgotten, parts of the puzzle.
Wetlands act like nature’s kidneys: filtering pollutants, slowing down floodwaters, and recharging groundwater. And for wildlife? They’re a sanctuary. From frogs and dragonflies to waterfowl and rare native plants, wetlands are among the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world.
And the best part? You don’t need acres of land to help. Even a small backyard pond can provide immense benefits — for your local watershed, pollinators, and even your own peace of mind.
Why Wetlands Matter
Across the Midwest, wetlands have been drained or filled for development, agriculture, or infrastructure. In Illinois alone, we've lost more than 90% of our historic wetlands. This loss has wide-reaching consequences:
- Increased flooding – Wetlands act as sponges, soaking up excess rainwater and slowly releasing it back into the soil.
- Polluted water – Without native wetland plants and soils to filter runoff, fertilizers and contaminants go straight into our waterways.
- Loss of biodiversity – Many species rely on wetlands for breeding, shelter, and food.
Rebuilding wetland habitat doesn’t have to mean large-scale restoration. Micro-wetlands, like a well-planned backyard pond, can mimic the natural functions of larger wetlands on a smaller scale.
A Window of Opportunity: Low Water = Prime Planting Time
While drought has been tough on many gardeners and landowners, it also presents a unique opportunity especially for wetland restoration. With lower water levels in natural and man-made ponds, previously submerged planting zones are now exposed and accessible.
This makes right now the perfect time to plant native aquatic plugs.
- Why it matters: Planting plugs in deep water is not ideal for establishment, many species need a stable rooting period before they’re submerged.
- What you can do: Take advantage of the dry spell by planting in areas that are usually underwater. Once water levels rise again, your plants will be well-rooted and ready to thrive.
This strategic timing allows you to build resilience into your pond or wetland getting plants established where you normally couldn’t.
The Power of a Backyard Pond
Small ponds bring big benefits. They can:
- Provide habitat for frogs, butterflies, dragonflies, turtles, and wetland birds
- Filter runoff from your yard before it enters storm drains or nearby creeks
- Add beauty and tranquility to your garden
- Support pollinators and beneficial insects through flowering aquatic plants
Best of all, installing one doesn’t have to be complicated and you can use native plants to make your pond thrive.
What Plants Do You Need for a Balanced Pond?
To mimic the natural structure of a healthy wetland, include a variety of plant types. Each serves a different role in supporting your mini ecosystem.
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Emergent Plants (roots in water, tops above water)
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These are your pond’s workhorses. They filter pollutants, stabilize shorelines, and provide habitat. Examples:
- Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor) – Adds vibrant color and stabilizes soil
- Softstem Bulrush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani) – Excellent for erosion control and habitat
- Common Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) – Attracts pollinators and tolerates standing water
- Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale) – A late-season bloomer great for moist to wet soil
- Monkey Flower (Mimulus ringens) – Thrives in wet soil and draws in pollinators
- Where to plant: Pond edges and shallow water (0–6 inches deep)
2. Floating-Leaved Plants
- These provide shade, help reduce algae growth, and offer hiding spots for fish and amphibians. Examples: Water lilies, Watershield, Duck potato
Great choices from our collection:
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- American Water Horehound (Lycopus americanus) – Spreads along muddy banks and helps filter water
- Water Plantain (Alisma subcordatum) – Grows in shallow standing water and supports aquatic insects
- Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) – Groundcover that thrives in wet zones (note: may spread aggressively, use with intention)
- Where to plant: Deeper sections of the pond
3. Submerged Plants (fully underwater)
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These oxygenate the water, improve clarity, and are vital for aquatic insects and fish. Examples: Pondweed (Potamogeton spp.), Watermilfoil, Hornwort
Where to plant: Submerged in deeper zones (12–36 inches deep)
4. Marginal or Moisture-Loving Plants
These native perennials thrive in saturated soils around the pond and act as a buffer, absorbing runoff and providing nectar and seed sources for wildlife.
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Great choices from our collection:
- Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) – Essential for monarchs and strong wetland performer
- Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum) – Bold blooms that support butterflies and bees
- Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata) – Supports native bees and thrives in soggy soils
- Prairie Cordgrass (Spartina pectinata) – Excellent for stabilizing wet meadows and wetland edges
- Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) – A reliable pollinator favorite that tolerates standing water
Where to plant: Around the pond perimeter or in rain gardens
Every Pond Counts
Whether you're on a suburban lot or rural acreage, you have the power to support cleaner water, healthier soil, and native wildlife, all with a small patch of wetland-inspired habitat.
By choosing the right native plants and planting at the right time, you're creating a more resilient landscape that’s better for your community, your local watershed, and the species that depend on these vital spaces.
Right now — during low water — is your chance to act. Make the most of it and bring wetlands back to your own backyard.
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