Floodplains are where land and water meet. The two environments merge to provide a unique and rich habitat for a wide variety of plants, insects, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals.
Food and shelter for animals
Undisturbed floodplains often contain wetlands and marshy areas. Scientists describe wetlands as "nature's food pantry." Natural floodplains provide feeding and breeding grounds for many types of fish and wildlife, including migrating birds and waterfowl. 70% of North Carolina animals listed as endangered or threatened depend on wetlands for survival.
Temporary storage for floodwater
Floodplains are nature's own disaster control. The areas along creeks and rivers is designed to hold floodwater that spills over the banks. A one-acre floodplain can store 1.5 million gallons of floodwater.
Pollution removal
Wetland store excess floodwater and let it slowly drain back into the creeks or into the groundwater. In the process, the wetlands filter out pollutants like sediment, excess nutrients and some harmful chemicals. |
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Restored urban floodplains
have many benefits
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Escape from the rat race
In urban areas like Charlotte-Mecklenburg, floodplains are well-suited for greenway trails for recreation and enjoying nature.
Floodplains are meant to flood
Floodplains are not a good place for homes or businesses. Where possible, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services works to restore floodplains to a natural state. Natural, open floodplains can reduce flood damage to surrounding property. And restored floodplains protect the environment.