Taking on the characteristics of a distinct ecosystem, wetlands are “saturated lands” that act as sponges – collecting and storing excess water to help prevent flooding in local streams, rivers and lakes. The Great Gwinnett Wetlands program is designed to grow awareness and promote the ongoing stewardship of Gwinnett’s numerous wetlands to prevent a deterioration of their vitality through littering, which also harms water resources like the Chattahoochee River, Yellow River, Lake Lanier, Jackson Lake, and ultimately the near pristine Altamaha River.