Changes humans make to land
can cause flash floods, increase
erosion, and create new pollution
sources. When native grasses,
plants, and trees are removed
and replaced with buildings,
rooftops, and pavement, larger
amounts of rainwater run off the
hard surfaces.
Stormwater mixes with and
carries pollution on the ground
into ditches, storm drains,
and streams. Pollutants can
be fertilizer and bug or weed
poisons sprayed on lawns
and cropland; spilled gas, oil,
or other chemicals; harmful
materials in landfills; and even
dirt or soil eroded from areas of
bare ground or plowed fields.
It is very important to plan
our use of land to include lots of
natural open spaces. Fields and
forests, prairies, woodlands, and
wetlands filled with native plants
provide habitat, food, and shelter
for other native species. Plants
"breathe" out oxygen, store
carbon, and improve air quality.
Natural areas covered with
plants hold soil in place, take
in lots of rain runoff, and filter
toxins out of stormwater, which
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46 • march 2021 • www.officialkidsmag.com
