May marks American Wetlands Month
EPA will join others across the nation to celebrate American Wetlands Month in May, for the 15th year, with events highlighting the importance of protecting wetlands. The theme for the celebration is "It Pays to Save Wetlands" and focuses on the many economic values of wetlands, such as flood control and improving water quality. The calendar of nationwide events can be found at http://www.iwla.org/sos/awm/events.
The Environmental Law Institute, nonprofits, EPA and other Federal agencies will honor the winners of the annual National Wetlands Awards on May 20, in Washington, D.C. The awards honor individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to wetlands conservation, research or education projects at the Regional, State or local level. Assistant Administrator Benjamin Grumbles will make an appearance at Wetlands Awareness Day at Huntley Meadows Park in Fairfax County, VA, to help celebrate the 20th anniversary of the park. EPA and other Federal employees will partner with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program on May 7 to clean up a wetland at Dyke Marsh on the Potomac River. International Migratory Bird Day will be celebrated at the National Zoo on April 30-May 1. For more about wetlands protection and how you can take part in the celebration see www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands.
This article originally appeared in the 04/01/2005 issue of Environmental Protection.