Agriculture and wetland revival complement each other at this California sheep ranch. Wetlands are transition zones where unique ecosystems flourish. They act as sieves to filter water, trap nutrients, sediments and organisms, and prevent pollutants from entering the water. Wetlands also provide flood control and recharge groundwater.

California’s wetlands, once 1.2 million to 2 million hectares, now total only 180,000 hectares, a 90 percent reduction. California promotes wetland conservation and restoration through agencies like the California Coastal Conservancy. (NRCS)