362 Natural Resources Systems Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. The amount of organic matter soil contains determines whether the soil is mineral wetland soil or organic wetland soil. To qualify as mineral soil, the soil must be saturated for less than 30 days (yearly) and contain less than 20% (by weight) organic materials in the O-horizon. (The O-horizon is the top layer of soil.) If the soil is saturated for 30 days or more or is artifi cially drained, the percentage of clay in the mineral part of the soil must also be determined. The percentage of organic material (18% or less) varies depend- ing on the amount of clay there is in the mineral part of the soil. The percent- ages are determined by weight because the thickness, bulk, and weight of each material found in the soil varies. Organic Wetland Soils Organic wetland soils, also known as histosols, are commonly referred to as peat or muck. Peat is partially decomposed organic matter saturated with water. Peat forms when vegetation accumulates in the acidic and anaer- obic conditions of a wetland and does not fully decompose. The vegetation forms an almost impermeable layer because organic material becomes denser and less permeable as it decomposes. Water pools on this layer and the peat thickens over time as vegetation continues to accumulate in the water. How might the use of less fertilizer on plants and lawns help wetlands? Thinking Critically Wetlands Tour Guide A career as a wetlands tour guide allows a person to spend a great deal of time outside, educating the public about the importance of wetlands and helping identify the plant and animal life that depend on wetland habitats. Wetlands, such as Career Connection the Everglades National Park in Florida, are visited by hundreds of thousands of people annually. Tour guides lead the visitors through the Everglades on walking, canoeing, and airboat tours. Guided tours ensure the safety of the visitors and protect the fragile environment from damage by unknowing or careless visitors. Canoe rental and other fees are used to help maintain the protected areas. Ecotourism is a growing industry that offers new career opportunities. The most successful guides easily engage visitors and provide some degree of entertainment. The more knowledgeable a guide is about the area is also a key to success. Tour guides may be employed by federal or state governments or work for private enterprises. Education Required: A bachelor’s degree in ecology, natural resources, communication, geography, or even regional history would be helpful in this career. Some locations require licenses. Volunteering at local protected areas will also provide valuable experience. JohannesOehl/Shutterstock.com