American Wetlands Month

May is American Wetlands Month. The weather is getting warmer, there are many opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy the wetlands. There are many citizen science programs that enjoy the wetlands as well. The goal of these programs is to increase the scientific and environmental awareness among the general public.  To find out more about the wetlands and programs available check out the NOAA's New Online Resource.

American Wetlands Month was created in 1991. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency created the month long awareness event to 'celebrate the vital importance of wetlands to the Nation's ecological, economic, and social health and to educate Americans about the value of wetlands. The Wetlands provide many functions on which our communities and ecosystems rely.

American wetlands serve as a funnel. The landscape at the wetlands have the ability to remove excess nutrients, toxic substances and sediment from water that flows through them. The action that wetlands provides is important so that downstream water is improved water quality. Wetlands capture significant percentages of pollutants, nitrates, ammonium, phosphorus, and sediment. Natural wetlands have helped to rid water of pesticides, landfill leaches, dissolved chlorinated compounds, and stormwater runoff Wetlands also help against flooding, provide recreational opportunities and serve as important habitat for wildlife.