wetland (noun): land or areas (as marshes or swamps)
that are covered often intermittently with shallow water
or have soil saturated with moisture.
WHY PROTECT WETLANDS?
Wetlands provide some of the most productive ecoservices on our earth. Among other things, healthy
wetlands filter water, trap sediment and erosion runoff, protect shorelines from storms and sea level rise,
provide habitat and nurseries for fish and wildlife AND
even provide water, food and shelter for humans.
Our mission is to help communities strengthen
existing programs that create long-term
environmental and economic value for
protecting fragile wetland ecosystems.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
Between 2004-2009, the US lost 360,000
acres of freshwater and saltwater wetlands,
representing a 25% increase in the rate of loss
from a previous survey covering 1998-2004.
22 states have lost an estimated 50% of
pre-colonial wetland acreage. Some states
have lost over 80%.
Half of the world’s wetlands have been lost
during the past 100 years.
WHAT ARE WE DOING ABOUT IT?
Wetlands and Shoreline
Workshop for Contractors:
Virginia’s General Assembly has
directed that “living shorelines”
are now the preferred method for
treating shoreline erosion. Property owners are taking a
keen interest in preserving vital wetlands ecosystems, and
contractors working on Virginia’s shoreline need to be
up-to-date on current regulations and available resources.
General wetlands ecology, shoreline treatment
alternatives and changes to permitting and regulations
are key topics for the workshop.
Wetlands Adventure Trail:
The Wetlands Adventure
Trail is an interpretive guide
for wetlands areas that
develops and nurtures the
important local connections between community
heritage, wetlands preservation and the health of
local watersheds. Designed to appeal to a broad
audience, the program builds momentum for wetlands
stewardship by incorporating wetlands and watershed
knowledge with local historic, geographic and cultural
themes.
The Wetlands Summit: For the first time, The Wetlands
Project brought together 26 different organizations
representing educators, community groups and
officials from the four counties of Virginia’s Northern
Neck. Wetlands Summit recommendations led to
establishment of the Northern Neck Wetlands Project
Advisory Group. The function of this dynamic group
of local representatives is to “set the course” for
wetlands conservation on the Northern Neck using
effective partnerships that educate and inform the local
population.
Port Royal King Street Project: The Wetlands Project
joined with historic Port Royal, Virginia and a coalition
of organizations to construct a living shoreline and
small pier with soft launch for kayaks and canoes. Our
funding provided a paid project coordinator position,
and the design and installation of educational signage
related to wetlands restoration.
Virginia Waterman’s Association Ecotourism
Training: Watermen are in a unique position to
communicate the message that healthy wetlands
and shorelines lead to healthy waterways and vibrant
coastal economies. The Wetlands Project provided
a portion of the funding for this training program
for watermen to supplement seasonal income with
ecotourism opportunities.