Celebrating Wetlands Month: A Message from the Executive Director

Dear Wolf River Conservancy Friend,

Each May, we proudly celebrate American Wetlands Month, a time to recognize and elevate the vital role wetlands play in our natural environment and community health. At the Wolf River Conservancy, wetlands are more than a feature of the landscape; they are central to our mission to protect and preserve land within the Wolf River watershed.  

Wetlands provide countless benefits that are critical to both the environment and our way of life. They serve as natural filters, improving water quality by trapping pollutants and sediments. They also act as buffers against floods, absorbing excess rainwater and reducing the risk of flooding downstream. In a region like ours, where heavy rainfall and flooding are becoming more frequent, the protective role of wetlands cannot be overstated.

Moreover, wetlands are biodiversity hotspots. They provide habitat for countless species of plants, fish, birds, and other wildlife. From migratory waterfowl to native amphibians, many species depend on wetland environments to breed, feed, and shelter. Wetlands along the Wolf River corridor are home to rare and threatened species, making their preservation a matter of both ecological and moral responsibility.

At the Wolf River Conservancy, we are accelerating our land conservation efforts in 2025 to ensure that key wetland areas in our region are permanently protected. We are also working with local partners to promote sustainable land-use practices and advocating for stronger state-level protections. Education and community engagement are central to our approach, and we continue to offer programs that highlight the ecological, recreational, and economic value of wetlands.

As part of Wetlands Month, we invite you to join us in celebrating these incredible ecosystems. Throughout the rest of May and into the summer, we are hosting guided paddling trips, educational workshops, and volunteer events that allow individuals and families to connect directly with the wetlands we are working to protect. These events are not just celebrations; they are calls to action. By witnessing the beauty and importance of wetlands firsthand, we hope to inspire long-term stewardship in the community.

Preserving our wetlands is not a task for one organization or one month. It requires sustained collaboration and a shared understanding that what happens to our wetlands today will shape the health of our environment for generations to come. Whether you are a longtime supporter or a first-time reader, we thank you for standing with us in this critical work.

Sincerely,

Erik Houston  Executive Director

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