National
American Wetlands
Month Events*
It Pays to Save Wetlands!
May is the month to recognize and celebrate the wonderful ways wetlands enrich the
environment and people. It is a time to give back to the environment by learning more about wetlands
and participating in the many scheduled events. The Environmental Protection Agency is proud to
partner with other Federal, State and local agencies and private organizations celebrating American
Wetlands Month each May. Events are scheduled across the country to educate, involve and engage
Americans who want to better understand the value of one of Earth's most important ecosystems.
Why Celebrate Wetlands?
Wetlands are the link between land and water, where the flow of water, the cycling of nutrients
and the energy of the sun meet to produce highly productive ecosystems. They are among the most
valuable but least understood of all natural resources. They are an important transition zone in our
Nation's watersheds - the vital link between land and water.
Why Does It Pay to Save Wetlands?
Wetlands have many economic values to our nation, our communities and to individuals.
Wetlands are important for flood control, acting as buffers to absorb and reduce damage caused by
flood waters. They help to remove pollutants from water, cleaning our streams and lakes and reducing
the cost of treating our drinking water. Wetlands are important to our multi-billion dollar commercial
fishing industry, providing a home to many species offish and shellfish during
their life cycles. Wetlands are great spots for fishing, canoeing and hunting, activities that add to our
economy and are a source of tourist dollars as well. Please take some time out this May to take part in
these local events and learn more about the value and beauty of wetlands.
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For information on more events, visit the Izaak Walton League of America's
web site at www.iwla.org.
Nationwide
May 8 - "International Migratory Bird Day" - a nationwide celebration of the amazing feats of
migratory birds. The annual event is held the 2nd Saturday of each May. This year's theme is "Birds of
a feather... nesting together." For further information visit www.birdday.org. e-mail IMBD(g),fws.gov or
call (703) 358-2318.
California
May 1 - "Community Environmental Faire" - Berkeley. The Community Environmental Faire is
being hosted by Dow and Delta Diablo Sanitation District. With free admission, visitors enjoy more
than 30 exhibits and pontoon boat and horse-drawn hay wagon rides. Live wild animal shows and
music complete the entertainment. Everything is held on Dow's 471 acre wetland
preserve under the shelter of tents. Contact Susan Schwartz at (510)848-9358 or e-mail
f5 creeks@aol. com
District of Columbia
May 20 - National Wetlands Awards - Washington, DC. Six outstanding wetlands educators,
activists, scientists and conservationists will receive awards for their exemplary contributions to the
conservation and restoration of the Nation's wetlands. See http ://www. eli. org
Georgia
May 22 - Adopt-a-Wetland Workshop - Clayton County. Newman Wetland Center offers a
workshop to educate citizens about wetland monitoring. Call (678)422-2838.
Maryland
May 1 - "Holly Beach Shoreline Buffer Planting" - Annapolis. Plant tree and shrub buffers to
protect the shoreline from erosion and create valuable habitat for wildlife. Bring water bottles and work
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gloves. Contact Marcy Damon, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, (443) 482-2156, mdamon@,cbf.org
May 8 - "Wetland Buffer Planting" - Vienna. Plant a restored wetland with native trees and shrubs
to benefit the Chimamacomico River watershed. Refreshments and tools provided. Please register in
advance. Contact Marcy Damon, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, (443) 482-2156, mdamonfg),cbf.org
May 15 - "Spa Creek Shoreline Stabilization Project" - Annapolis. Install coconut fiber rolls and
plant them with native marsh grasses, wetland plants and shrubs to protect the shoreline. Bring a water
bottle and wear tie shoes that can get wet and muddy. Tools and refreshments provided. 9am-1pm.
Contact Marcy Damon, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, (443) 482-2156, mdamon@,cbf.org
May 16 - "Wetlands Festival" - Waldorf. Hands-on educational activities, crafts, swamp tours,
fishing lessons, hay rides, and more. lpm-5pm. Contact Cindy Thorne, Southern Maryland Chapter,
Izaak Walton League of America, (240) 216-4065, all4orions@comcast.net.
Michigan
May 20-22 - "Michigan Wetlands: Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Wetlands
Protection Act"- Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse City. Wetland professionals from
around the State and country will speak on Great Lakes coastal wetlands, wetland protection, wetland
restoration, wetlands and watershed planning, wetland preservation, landowner stewardship, local
wetland protection, natural history of wetlands, wetland monitoring and wetland education. The
conference will also include Geographic Information Systems and teacher resource rooms, special field
trips and exhibitor booths. Sponsored by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, the
Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Tip of the Mitt
Watershed Council and Northwestern Michigan College. See http ://wateshedcouncil.org
Minnesota
May 22 - "Wetlands Ecology and Conservation Policy Workshop" - Minneapolis. Full day
workshop covers wetland ecology, functions and values, current Federal and State conservation
policies and how to advocate for new or better Federal, State and local conservation policy. 9am-5pm.
Includes time in the field. Contact John Rust, Breckenridge Chapter Izaak Walton League of America
at (800) 284-4952, imgahn2u@,yahoo.com
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Texas
April 23 - "7th Annual 3rd Grade Wetlands Walk" - Arlington. Approximately 120 students from
Dunn Elementary School take an exciting trail walk to see and learn about a wetland. The walk is
hosted by EPA Region 6 wetland staff (better known as "the reconstruction crew"), who, the day
before the walk, put on the gloves and trim back the poison ivy, green briar and haul logs to outline the
trail. Lots of fun for everyone! For more information, call Tom Nystrom at (214)665-8331.
May 4 - "Annual Jack County Wetlands Field Day" - Jacksboro. This day of fiin and learning
for all the 6th graders in Jack County will be held at the Rummage Ranch, East of Jacksboro. The
Rummage family has opened their ranch for this event, sponsored by the jack County Soil and Water
conservation District for the past 15 years. Several learning stations will be set up, covering topics such
as wetlands education, soil erosion prevention, animal husbandry, wildlife management, plant
identification, pond and watershed management. USEPA Region 6 staff has been invited to set up the
pond/wetlands station for the past 12 years. For more information, call Mike Bira (214)665-6668.
May 18 - "American Wetlands Month Celebration" - Lufkin. The Lufkin Wetland Garden and
Outdoor Classroom will celebrate its grand opening and American Wetlands Month with activities for
the whole family beginning at 10am. Contact Rachel Emrick, City Arborist, at (936)633-0431 or
remick@,cityoflufkin.com or see www.cityoflufkin.com.
Virginia
May 1 - Wetlands Awareness Day - Noon-3pm, Huntley Meadows Visitor Center, 3701
Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria, VA. Enjoy an afternoon of wetland interpretation, wildlife presentations
and a "Fun Fair" for kids. Bring your friends and family to celebrate the importance of wetlands to
wildlife and you. There is a modest fee for some activities. Call (703)768-2525 or visit
www.co.fairfax.va.us/parks/nature
Washington
May 1 - Shadow Lake Bog Spring Planting - Renton. Save Habitat and Diversity of Wetlands
(SFLADOW) will be joined by local volunteers to plant native shrubs and trees around the area of the
bog and an adjacent property. Two plantings are scheduled on a Saturday, May 1 and May 15. Times
are 10:00am to 2:00pm. Contact Kristine Thomas, Volunteer Coordinator, SFJADOW, (253)
859-6616, krisbeboggin@,aol.com
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May 24-30 - Native Plant Appreciation Week - Statewide. The week of May 24-30 is Native
Plant Appreciation Week in Washington State. It is a celebration of the amazing diversity of
Washington's more than 3,000 native plant species and the native plant ecosystems, including wetlands,
that are so important to sustaining the quality of the State's environment. It is an opportunity for
government agencies, non-profit groups and environmental organizations to highlight their work in
protecting native plant species and restoring native plant habitats. For more information, see
www.wnps.org.
*Call all locations for costs and space availability
For more information about wetlands, see the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency's web site atwww.epa.gov/owow/wetlands or call the Wetlands Helpline
at 1-800-832-7828.
EPA843-F-04-004
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