Wetlands (Exploring Environmental Challenges: A Multidisciplinary Approach)

The purpose of the Exploring Environmental Challenges: A Multidisciplinary Approach series is to publish a collection of short texts that each explore a specific environmental issue and describe the methodologies, theories, and findings pertaining to that issue from both natural and social science perspectives. Each text contains three natural science essays, three social science essays, and a concluding essay. Intended for introductory environmental studies courses, these balanced, thoughtful, and rigorous texts aim to provide students with a deeper understanding of the relationship between people and their environment, and to serve as a foundation for further inquiry and discussion.

Wetlands introduces students to the natural ecological functions and policy issues of wetlands so they will have a solid understanding of why these ecosystems are necessary and why their governance remains a significant environmental challenge. Although not a comprehensive overview on wetlands, it does provide background material for a more comprehensive investigation into the science behind and the management of these ecosystems.

Dr. Sharon L. Spray is assistant professor of political science and environmental studies at Elon University and teaches courses in American politics, international environmental policy, and domestic environmental politics and law. Dr. Karen L. McGlothlin is assistant professor of biology at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, and teaches courses in invertebrate zoology, island ecology, entomology, and developmental biology.