The town of Houghton, Michigan developed its own constructed wetland in 1978 to polish wastewater.  Originally it was not designed for public use, but as wildlife in the area increased more people went to visit.  The wetland hosts game species such as coyote, raccoons, bobcats, muskrats, and two new bird species.  Classes from grade school up to the college level go there to visit, learn about the treatment facility, or have an ecology lesson.  Total initial costs to build this wetland in 1978 were $397,900 (EPA, 1993).  Total maintenance costs in 1991 were $15,300 (EPA, 1993). 

Houghton, Michigan Natural Wetlands

Photos from EPA~ (EPA, 1993)

Vermontville, Michigan wanted to re-use municipal wastewater, so in 1972 they constructed a wetland for wastewater treatment.  Wildlife in the area include birds such as Waterfowl, Redwing Blackbirds, American Coot, American Goldfinch, muskrat, raccoon, deer, woodchuck, as well as a resting spot for migrating birds.  Initial total costs to build this wetland were $395,000 in 1972 (EPA, 1993).  During 1990 the operating costs totaled $4,200 (EPA, 1993). 

Vermontville, Michigan Constructed Wetlands~ Photos from EPA (EPA, 1993)

Des Plains, Illinois, thirty-five miles north of Chicago developed its constructed wetland in an effort to rebuild its river system.  From 1985 to 1990 there was a 4500 percent increase in the bird population (EPA, 1993). 

Photo from EPA (EPA, 2003)

                                             Photo from EPA (EPA 2003)