A wetland is defined as an area that consists of marshes, swamps, or saturated land. There are two types: coastal (tidal) and inland (non-tidal). Coastal wetlands in North America are along the Atlantic, Pacific, or Gulf Coast, which link to areas where sea water mixes with freshwater to form various saline environments. Inland wetlands can be found close to water sources such as rivers, streams, isolated depressions, or lakes, which form ponds, wet meadows, or marshes. The non-tidal wetlands can be seasonal. All wetlands are important because they work in two ways, prevent flooding by storing water when levels are high or slowly release water when levels are low. This keeps the water levels normal, while filtering and purifying the surface water. This is great for fish and wildlife, while also making a home to many plant and bird species. These photos were taken at the Kachina Wetlands Preserve in Northern Arizona in late autumn.