May is American Wetlands Month: Learn! Explore! Take Action!

• American Wetlands Month 2011 Events
• History of American Wetlands Month
• What Are Wetlands?
• Why Celebrate Wetlands?
• Status of Wetlands in the United States
• What You Can Do to Protect and Restore Wetlands
• Resources
• Other Partners in American Wetlands Month

This

May will mark the 21st anniversary of American Wetlands Month, a time

when EPA and its partners in federal, state, tribal, local, non-profit,

and private sector organizations celebrate the vital importance of

wetlands to the Nation's ecological, economic, and social health. It is

also a great opportunity to discover and teach others about the

important role that wetlands play in our environment and the significant

benefits they provide - improved water quality, increased water storage

and supply, reduced flood and storm surge risk, and critical habitat

for plants, fish, and wildlife.

EPA encourages all Americans to consider doing the following to help celebrate the month, wherever they reside:

1. Learn about wetlands. This is a great time to
   
   better understand what a wetland is, where wetlands can be found, and
   
   the importance of wetlands. Activities may include reading and studying
   
   about wetland areas, drawing maps or illustrations of wetlands, and
   
   identifying native species found in wetlands. Information on wetlands
   
   and the important benefits they provide is available on this website,
   
   through EPA's wetlands fact sheets series, or by visiting the websites of our partners.
2. Explore a wetland near you. Unless you live in the
   
   most extreme climate zones, there is a good chance a scenic wetland
   
   exists nearby for you to visit and explore during American Wetlands
   
   Month and throughout the year. To find a wetland near you, consult your
   
   local parks department, state natural resource agency, or the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. If you live in the Washington, DC area, a guide has been created to highlight wetlands and wildlife sanctuaries.
3. Take action to protect and restore wetlands.
   
   Support and promote wetlands informing community members about wetlands'
   
   vital roles, "adopting" a wetland, joining a local watershed group, or
   
   participating in a wetland monitoring, restoration, or cleanup project.
   
   There are many other actions Americans can take to help conserve
   
   wetlands. To learn more about what you can do to help protect and
   
   restore these valuable natural resources in your state or local area,
   
   visit What You Can Do to Protect and Restore Wetlands.