May is American Wetlands Month. This is a time to recognize and celebrate all that these remarkable spaces do to sustain life on our planet. First observed in 1991, American Wetlands Month was created by the EPA and its federal, state, tribal, local, nonprofit, and private sector partners to “celebrate the vital importance of wetlands to the Nation's ecological, economic, and social health.”
In addition to filtering and cleaning water supplies, wetlands can help reduce flooding and provide an important habitat for many different species. Despite the important role they play, wetlands are one of our most threatened habitats, with pollution and unchecked development resulting in a massive loss of wetland area and a decline in native wetland species.
Tree for All and its partners have been involved in the rehabilitation and preservation of a number of wetland sites. To learn more about these transformations and the unique features of each site, you can click on the links below:
Another way to celebrate and conserve our wetlands is to volunteer. Many local organizations, including The Wetlands Conservancy, host cleanups and planting events, and conduct seasonal species surveys. Check back here on the Tree for All blog for monthly volunteer opportunities.
Let us know how you plan to celebrate wetlands this month by commenting below!
