Celebrate American Wetlands in May
The Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Program of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Division of Watershed Stewardship is participating in American Wetland Month, as May has been designated, to promote wetland appreciation in Delaware.
Created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, American Wetland Month is the time when federal, state, nonprofit, tribal, private, and local organizations work together to celebrate the importance of wetlands to the nation’s citizens, environment, and economy.
With the help of social media outlets, the Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Program will celebrate all month by posting weekly trivia, fun facts, and much more! Each week will have a different theme that promotes an appreciation of Delaware wetlands. They include:
- May 4-10: Delaware Wetland Warriors
- May 11-17: Endangered species
- May 18-24: Current wetland happenings in Delaware
- May 25-31: Getting out and exploring Delaware wetlands
A highlight of the celebration is the release of the newest Wetland 101 video on the YourDNREC YouTube Channel titled “Wild Wetlands.” The video takes a closer look at animals that rely on wetlands for survival, and will be made available in weekly installments each Wednesday morning with an accompanying trivia question on the Delaware Wetlands Facebook page.The first Facebook follower to comment on the question with the correct answer will win a prize. For more information, like the Facebook page Delaware Wetlands or follow Delaware Wetlands on Twitter @DE_Wetlands.
Wetlands comprise approximately 25 percent of the land cover in Delaware, and are being degraded and destroyed each year. When these wetlands are filled in and developed or converted for other use, the benefits they provide are lost. The Wetlands 101 Series strives to highlight the importance of wetlands to the public by getting the message out to every person in the state.
To view “Wild Wetlands” and other YourDNREC videos, click youtube.com/delawarednrec.
Like Delaware Wetlands on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/delawarewetlands and follow them on Twitter at https://twitter.com/DE_Wetlands.
This effort supports Gov. Jack Markell’s Clean Water for Delaware’s Future initiative - a comprehensive plan for cleaning up Delaware’s bays, rivers and streams so they meet water-quality standards for drinking, swimming, and supporting fish and other aquatic life. The plan accelerates a wide range of clean water projects that protect public health and safety, improve water quality, increase the resiliency of Delaware’s communities to storms and flooding, support the multi-billion-dollar tourism and agriculture industries, create jobs and bolster the economic revitalization of Delaware's towns and cities.
