Nationally, economic activity directly associated with non-consumptive enjoyment of birds generated 191,000 jobs and more than $895 million in sales and income tax revenues in 1991. In addition, 3 million migratory bird hunters generated $1.3 billion in retail sales, with a total economic multiplier effect of $3.9 billion, associated with 46,000 additional jobs and sales and income tax revenues of $176 million.

Regional statistics on birding activity are also impressive. A prime example is the Delaware Bay shore and Cape May peninsula of New Jersey, which realizes more than $40 million annually from birders.

In addition, artists and writers capture the beauty of wetlands on canvas and paper, or through cameras, and video and sound recorders. Others appreciate wetlands by hiking, boating, and other recreational activities. Almost everyone likes being on or near the water; part of the enjoyment is the varied, fascinating life forms found in these biologically rich areas.

The recreational benefits associated with wetlands, of course, also serve to educate. Wetlands are studied in conjunction with environmental programs at adult continuing education facilities and at environmental centers. Furthermore, many school systems at the grammar, middle, and high school levels use these valuable ecosystems as out-of-door laboratories for environmentally-related courses, since they serve as excellent study sites to learn about vegetative structure (e.g., the density and cover of the vegetation) and ecological functions (e.g., nutrient cycling) , natural ecological processes (e.g., plant succession), biodiversity, and plant-animal interactions. For more advanced students, particularly those at the high school and college levels, and professionals seeking to learn more about wetlands, they serve as excellent research sites.